Operations Support (3 positions)

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. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
•    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

The positions are located at Islamabad and Peshawar office.

The position is at SBIII level.

Technical Focus

Supports and provides operational support to the field programme and project activities.

Reporting Lines

Under the Overall Supervision of the FAO Representative FAO Pakistan and the Direct Supervision of the Head of the Provincial Office / Head of the Operations Unit and the Technical Supervision of the Head of the Operations Unit, the incumbent is responsible for managing and providing the full range of operational tasks in support of the field projects and/or programme activities assigned to him/her.

Tasks and responsibilities

In particular, the incumbent will: 

•    Provide support in the day-to-day work related to project activities in line with the approved work-plans.
•    On instruction of the supervisor, prepare a broad variety of administrative actions necessary for the timely implementation of projects, including recruitment actions, briefing schedules and procurement of equipment, works and services as well as partnership agreements (OPIM, LoA ), Travel Authorizations.
•    Maintain up-to-date basic records required for project implementation, and reference records on directives and procedures relating to field operations work; reconcile operational records with other corporate records of the organization.
•    Liaise with staff on all administrative and operations matters as requested.
•    Ensure the completeness and quality of data and documentation in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) for all field projects in the country, including proposals in the pipeline throughout the project cycle.
•    Monitor the financial situation (budget, cash flow forecasting, and expense allocations) of projects, ensure proper project budget management, and assist in preparation of project/budget revisions as required.
•    Support all concerning the opening/completion/closure of field projects, including raising of PRs/POs in GRMS and identification and follow up of back charges and project follow-up requirements with regards to PO closured and transfer of equipment of equipment to and from partner/counterpart institution.
•    Prepare analytical and financial reports on project financial performance as requested / required.
•    Follow up on clearance of pending commitments and general clean-up of the commitment tracker to facilitate closure of the project.
•    Support the review of final financial report and statements, invoices, list of all supporting documents submitted by the Implementing Partner and compile the evaluation reports of the service providers in preparation of clearing final LOA payment.
•    Critically analyse and review payments to ensure that they are in line with the POs and contracts.
•    Process all interim and final LOA payments after the reports have been approved and receipt in GRMS.
•    Support in planning trainings/workshops and all travel related activities.
•    Any other duties assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree in agriculture, economics, business administration and management, international relations or another field related to the work of the Organization.
•    5 years of relevant experience in the management, operation and support of emergency and development projects and programmes
•    Working knowledge of English and Urdu.
•    National of Pakistan.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in field programme/project operations in the food security and agriculture sector.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in providing support in the preparation of project proposals, project implementation, budget preparation, monitoring, revision, preparation of financial reports in donor specific formats.
•    Familiarity with Project Cycle Management.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION