Operations Specialist

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.

The FAO Coordination Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS) Programme implements the Country Programming Framework for Palestine to enhance the wellbeing of Palestinian people by making the agrifood system more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable in alignment with national policies and strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF).

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO WBGS (West Bank and Gaza Strip) Head of Office, the direct supervision of the Operations Officer, and in close collaboration with the Head of Programme and other relevant personnel as appropriate.

Technical Focus

Provides operational support to the field programme including development, emergency, and rehabilitation projects, and oversees the effective implementation of programme and project activities at the country level, ensuring timely and results-oriented delivery.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Participate in project meetings, collaborates in new project formulation and provide technical and/or operational support to ongoing projects;

• Support programme personnel in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;

• Monitor and prepare analytical reports on project performance, particularly cash received and delivery, as required;

• Prepare budget revisions for the ongoing projects, as required;

• Assist in resource mobilization efforts by liaising with donors, in alignment with the Resource Mobilization Strategy, and under the guidance of WBGS management;

• Support operations personnel to strengthen compliance in Internal Control to facilitate effective and efficient actions by identifying and assessing risks and Fraud Prevention Plan (FPP) to improve planning and monitoring of the fraud risks responses;

• Assist the supervisor in managerial tasks to lead and coordinate operational support of FAO WBGS project activities;

• Coordinate actions related to timely field project completion/closure, including identification of project follow-up requirements;

• Assist with the monitoring of project proposals and revisions, ensuring that proposals pass through FAO internal appraisal processes, and are in line with funding agreements and donor requirements;

• Assist the management in the review of draft agreements with donors or UN organizations before HQ clearances;

• Establish and maintain partnership with HQ units and regional office related to donor liaison, finance, legal matters, partnerships, security and technical specialties and when required;

• Liaise with UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) and other UN Organizations, as well as relevant authorities and partners to obtain/exchange information and ensure coordination for FAO interventions;

• Ensure compliance with UNDSS security requirements for personnel, premises and assets.

• Ensure that FAO’s Project Cycle Management guidelines are applied in all phases of project management;

• Ensure the quality of data/documentation in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) for all pipeline and operational field projects;

• Facilitate budget management in line with FAO’s rules and regulations in support of the ongoing projects and support the day-to-day operations of the FAO’s offices in Jerusalem, Ramallah (West Bank) and Gaza City (Gaza Strip);

• Monitor the availability of funds under all projects; ensure financial commitments and expenditures are accurate and consistent with established guidelines; monitor/approve field expenditures, and ensure projects’ budgets are always up to date;

• Forecast and monitor annual programme delivery, estimate and monitor the Office’s Administrative and Operational Support (AOS) budget earnings and expenditure;

• Assist management in updating the resource mobilization analysis aligned with the Country Programme Framework (CPF);

• Review interim/progress and terminal report of each project and ensure the timely preparation and submission of the interim or final financial reports to the donor(s);

• Ensure day-to-day running of the FAO WBGS office including personnel, premises, assets and the vehicle fleet; assist in optimizing the management of Office’s premises and vehicles, the allocation of space and the provision of services for the maintenance of premises and the vehicle fleet;

• Provide support to the Gaza office during the absence of the Field Operations Specialist, including programme implementation, personnel management, logistics, and security coordination.

• Liaises with donors and government (COGAT) authorities at the appropriate level on emergency response and development assistance;

• Acts as Audit Focal Point for EUC funded Projects (verifications).

• Supervise the local consultant (Operations Support), ensuring tasks are completed effectively and in alignment with project objectives;

• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in public administration, business administration, economics, accounting or finance, development studies or a closely related field. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.

• At least five years of professional experience in project management/operations and support.

• Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Working experience with UN agencies/International organizations is desirable.

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, implementation and management.

• Extent and relevance of experience in budgetary planning, budget management and financial reporting.

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.

• Knowledge of international humanitarian architecture including the UN System, NGOs etc. is desirable and understanding of FAO policies and programmes is an asset.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks.

• Ability to travel across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

• Extent of familiarity with the geographical region.