Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.ย
There is growing international recognition that the agricultural sectorsโincluding crops, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, and livestockโplay a pivotal role in addressing climate change. These sectors are consistently highlighted as key priorities in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by African countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
As an accredited agency to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Adaptation Fund, FAO supports Guinea in advancing its climate action commitments. This includes alignment with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, particularly in the implementation of Guineaโs NDCs. The FAO Guinea Country Office is witnessing a growing portfolio of projects financed through these vertical climate funds.
To strengthen the operational delivery of this expanding portfolio, FAO Guinea is seeking a qualified Operations Specialist to lead the coordination and implementation of programme activities, with a particular focus on the FAO-GEF project portfolio
The recruited GEF Projects Operation Specialist will be based at FAO country office in Conakry, Guinea.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Guinea, and with functional support from the Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW), the Operations Specialist will work in close collaboration with the Programme and Administration Units of the Representation, project coordinators, and in consultation with relevant units at the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and FAO Headquarters. The Operations Specialist will be responsible for the operational management of assigned field projects and programmes, in accordance with FAOโs rules, procedures, guidelines, and best practices.
Technical Focus
Lead and coordinate the operational support function of the FAO Guinea project portfolio with a particular focus on the GEF project portfolio.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Serve as the operational focal point for all GEF project matters in Guinea, ensuring alignment with FAO-GEF policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
โข ย ย Be responsible for the regular control of budgetary aspects and budget revision requirements, including monitoring of cash in-flow from various donors and partners; keep the GEF Project Coordinator fully informed in this respect to allow for effective planning and implementation of project inputs;
โข ย ย Monitor and review GEF project budgets, prepare budget revisions, and ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting in line with GEF and FAO standards.
โข ย ย Monitor financial status and expenditure trends, flagging any issues of under- or over-expenditure.
โข ย ย Provide operational, financial, and administrative assistance to the Budget Holder and Project Coordinator to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of GEF projectโs activities;
โข ย ย Oversee daily financial and administrative operations, including affiliate personnel management, contractual arrangements, provision of equipment, Travel, logistics, and field disbursements, work planning and reporting obligations and identifies corrective measures to address operational constraints.;
โข ย ย Support the country office in managing relations with GEF Implementing Partners (IPs), including contractual arrangements and operational oversight.
โข ย ย Oversee the planning and implementation of GEF project activities in coordination with the Project Management Unit and technical consultants.
โข ย ย Monitor the implementation of the FAO Fees Work Plan and ensure timely execution of related activities
โข ย ย Ensure completeness and quality of project data and documentation in FAO corporate systems (e.g., GRMS, FPMIS) and maintain proper archiving of all project-related materials.
โข ย ย Ensure the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) for each project is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of GEF projects results.
โข ย ย Prepares programme-level analytical reports (e.g. funding requirements and gaps, project delivery, project performance, etc.).
โข ย ย Supervise and mentor the affiliate personnel of the operations team, contributing to knowledge sharing and strengthening the operational capacity of the FAO office in Guinea.
โข ย ย Coordinate the timely preparation and submission of all required project reports, including Project Implementation Reports (PIR), co-financing reports, and tracking tools
โข ย ย Ensure proper documentation and archiving of all GEF project-related materials in FAO corporate systems.
โข ย ย Ensure completeness and quality of project data in FAO corporate systems (e.g., GRMS, FPMIS) for all ongoing and pipeline projects.
โข ย ย Contribute to the development of new GEF project proposals, including operational inputs for concept notes and full project documents.
โข ย ย Undertake field missions to monitor the technical and operational performance of GEF projects and provide actionable recommendations.ย
โข ย ย Assist in organizing stakeholder consultations and project evaluations.
โข ย ย Perform any other tasks as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Advanced university degree or University degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience in public or business administration, project management, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate
โข ย ย Five years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support
โข ย ย Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of French and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of English
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Experience on GCF, GEF or International Financial Institution (IFI) is an advantage.
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions in West Africa is desirable;
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation;
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of Experience in donor-funded project cycle management;
โข ย ย Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset;
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder projects;
โข ย ย Extent of experience in formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects;
โข ย ย Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned actors;
โข ย ย Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in liaising with international donor organizations and development partners in preparing / reviewing financial information contained in funding proposals in donor specific formats;
โข ย ย Knowledge GEF and other major donor funding programs is desirable
โข ย ย Experience in formulation or implementation of projects in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for GEF, GCF and other climate finance donor agencies.
โข ย ย Experience working with other UN agencies, RECs and FAO country Offices in project implementation