National Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to respond to cries. FAO in collaboration with the Government of Malawi and with support of multiple development partners is implementing a wide range of activities to improve livelihoods of small-scale farmers as well as assisting a more inclusive and sustainable development in the country. FAO Malawi is currently supporting the Government to strengthen community-based resilience in vulnerable rural areas, facilitate a more sustainable management of natural resources and supporting nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Likewise, FAO provides and mobilizes technical assistance required by the country in areas related with agriculture production, agriculture economics and other areas relevant.

Reporting Lines

The National Operations Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Senior Project Officer and direct supervision of the Operations Officer

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will more specifically:

• Manage day-to-day operational actions of the FAO Malawi projects,
• Ensure the effective management of the project cycle in FPMIS including, amongst others, timely opening of the projects, financial monitoring, expenditure forecast and project closure;
• Prepare financial reports in non-FAO formats;
• Review project proposals according to FAO's procedures to be submitted to donor countries and/or donor agencies as well as the UN system for financial support;
• Review new project budgets to ensure compliance with donor requirements and FAO budget guidelines;
• Prepare and process budget revisions as requested using the FPMIS Budget module;
• Map project expenditures on a monthly basis in consultation with the respective Project Managers and Finance Associates;
• Track Personnel expenditure and ensure adherence to both number of months for relevant personnel and amounts budgeted;
• Review and rationalize expenditures to ensure adherence to project budgets ;
• Compile documentation required for budget adjustments and liaise with Finance for processing;
• Keep a clear record of budget adjustments and follow up as needed;
• Upload relevant documents in FPMIS to keep project records up to date ;
• Work closely with the Procurement Unit for the procurement of inputs and services for the implementation of project related activities;
• Contribute to the preparation of briefs and comprehensive reports;
• Participate, if applicable, in assessment of needs and field supervision missions in the framework of the ongoing projects;
• Assist in developing staff capacity by providing trainings and close follow-up of tasks;
• In collaboration with technical officers in FRMLW undertake necessary action for the mobilization of donor funds, including inputs in the preparation of project proposals;
• Assist in project audits, evaluations and follow up on audit findings;
• Assist in project inventory and asset management and
• Perform any other related duties.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Business administration, Rural Development, Management or related fields.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Project related functions;
• Working knowledge (level C) of English;
• National or resident of Malawi

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good computer skills especially advanced Excel;
• Ability to work with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds;
• Ability to work in multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.