National Administration and Procurement Specialist
Provide procurement and administrative support for project implementation.
Overview
Provide procurement and administrative support for project implementation.
You have:
- University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, International Development or a related field
- At least three (3) years of relevant experience in procurement and office support functions
- Working knowledge of English
- National of Samoa
- Proven ability to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project partners
- Demonstrated analytical and judgment skills
- Knowledge of FAO standard operational rules and procedures
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
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 Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) was established in 1996 in Samoa to coordinate the FAO work in the Pacific and covers 14 - Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Tokelau (one Associate Member). SAP is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing programmes and projects to address food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development priorities, in which gender, climate change adaption, and anticipatory action are important cross-cutting issues. SAP develops and maintains relations with subregion wide institutions and entities.
Reporting Lines
The National Administration and Procurement Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific and will directly report to the project’s Lead Technical Officer (LTO) / Natural Resource Officer. The Specialist will collaborate with colleagues across technical, human resources, finance, programme, operations, and administration units to ensure smooth project implementation.
Technical Focus
Provide administrative, procurement and operational support to ensure effective implementation and compliance of project activities in line with FAO and donor requirements.
Tasks and responsibilities
Procurement and General Services
• Support procurement activities, and assist in monitoring their delivery, including review of reports • Monitor purchase orders, contracts, and track shipment and receipt of goods and services. Ensure all supporting documents are complete, assist with customs clearances, and facilitate the timely collection of goods. • Prepare, review, and manage routine documentation and correspondence for procurement actions, including identifying potential suppliers and securing necessary clearances. • Ensure all procurement documents comply with FAO rules, processes, and specific donor requirements before submission to SAP-Procurement
Administrative and Operational Support
• Maintain close coordination with operations, HR, finance, travel, and procurement personnel to ensure seamless project operations. • Provide the delivery of administrative services to the Samoa Readiness project in the areas of recruitment, finance, procurement and general services. Prepare the field visit or meeting / workshop budgets as necessary and support the preparation of the project budget in line with GCF and FAO requirements. • Perform monitoring and analysis of project financial statement and address discrepancies, problems, and other variations as necessary in a timely and effective manner. • Support the operational and financial closure of the project, ensuring that all pending matters are finalized and that commitments are liquidated in accordance with FAO and donor guidelines
Project Coordination and Monitoring
• Support the development of inputs for project monitoring and progress reports. • Facilitate the arrangement of venues and logistics for regional and country level workshops and meetings • Support dissemination of project outputs, knowledge products and communication materials via digital and other media platforms. • Support coordination between the project teams and the relevant staff at the NDAs and ministries of agriculture. • Perform additional tasks as required to support the successful implementation and closure of the project.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, International Development or a related field • At least three (3) years of relevant experience in procurement and office support functions • Working knowledge of English • National of Samoa
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 • Efficiency, competence and integrity as well as negotiating skills, tact and diplomacy are essential. • Able to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project partners at regional and international level; • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable. • Extent of knowledge of FAO standard operational rules and procedures and project/programme administrative management procedures • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience liaising between diverse project stakeholders. • Extent of knowledge of FAO’s corporate systems and database, or knowledge of other accounting or financial modules or applications relevant to accounting procedures or project budget management would be considered an asset. • Demonstrated analytical and judgment skills and ability to apply rules and regulations in the subject field
Selection Criteria
• Demonstrated experience in managing or coordinating international, regional, or national projects related to agriculture and the environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
Potential interview questions
| Describe your experience in managing procurement processes for projects. | This question assesses your ability to handle procurement in alignment with organizational standards. | Provide specific examples of procurement projects you've managed. |
| How do you ensure compliance with donor requirements in procurement? | Interviewers want to know your understanding of donor guidelines and compliance. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a successful project you coordinated? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle discrepancies in project financial statements? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your experience with project budgets and financial reporting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe an instance where you had to negotiate with suppliers or partners. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |