National Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO Country offices, which are headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. This position is located in Kampala, Uganda.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Uganda, the direct supervision of the Operations Officer, and in close coordination with technical, operations and administrative personnel, the National Operations Specialist will perform the following tasks:

Technical Focus

Support the implementation of FAO Uganda portfolio of projects.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Guide the Programme teams in preparing proposals in line with FAO’s Project Cycle Guide and support the Operations Officer in ensuring that proposals are timely inserted in FAO’s Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) and developed according to the funding/donor requirements ensuring that all necessary clearances are obtained (Budget, Operational and Financial) on time; • Assist the Operations Officer in the overall management of the portfolio, including budget allocations, budget revisions, project closures and other project-related actions in FPMIS ensuring that FAO’s Project Cycle Management guidelines are applied in all phases of project management and in the operational/administrative follow-up of project management actions flagged in FPMIS; • Handle day-to-day operational aspects of projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle from initiation phase to operational and financial closure; • Support and guide the programme personnel in developing, updating, monitoring and implementing the workplans, travel plans and procurement plans based on budget availability and in accordance with relevant manual sections and updates the delivery estimates based on the workplans on a regular basis; • Ensure that budget monitoring tools are updated (expenditures, commitments, forecasts and available balance) and verifie for all projects/programmes (including Field Budget Authorizations – FBAs, and Regular Programme funding) that expenses are in line with funds available, approved workplans and in alignment with FAO accounting policy; • Take corrective measures to overcome operational constraints, including secondments, accounting adjustments, reconciliation of expenditures, balances, payments and other data for day-to-day transactions and reports; • Support and builds the capacities of FAO staff in the different operational modalities (Operational partners implementation Modality, cash transfers, beneficiary grants, vouchers, Letters of Agreement, etc.); • In collaboration with the Operations Officer develop, maintain and improve portfolio/financial monitoring tools (operational overview, GOE monitoring tool and others) are to help anticipate problems and ensure an effective use of resources; • Support to the Responsible Officers is provided in monitoring, reviewing and building the capacities of the Service Providers contracted through Letters of Agreement in delivering and submitting duly certified progress and final financial reports with all required supporting documents; • Support to internal and external audit is provided and lessons learned are shared with programme teams to improve compliance and with administration to improve archiving and filing of documents; • Support the Operations Officer in coordinating the production and clearance of financial and narrative reports in line with donor and FAO requirements; • Ensure preparedness of the country office to scale up following emerging needs or emergencies; • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in public administration, business administration, economics or a closely related field. • At least five years of relevant experience. • Working knowledge of English. • National of Uganda.

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; • Excellent organizational skills; • Good communication skills, including in emergency settings; • Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, make appropriate recommendations, effective decisions, including in emergency settings; • Strong foundation in budget management ; • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; • Excellent knowledge of Excel; • Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team, and interpersonal skills; • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; • Knowledge of UN rules and procedures is desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• 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.