National Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Lebanon is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Lebanon. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Beirut, Lebanon. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an 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 the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of Assistant FAOR-Programme and in close coordination with other Units and colleagues in the office.

Technical Focus

Good knowledge and skills in Operations, Project Management and implementing corporate policies and procedures.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate and support the Operations Unit in the FAO Representation in Lebanon; • Act as a focal point for all project operational matters, organize and handle the day-to-day operational activities of the field programme (including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects) and take action in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period; • Develop and maintain the online and offline Lebanon Programme Dashboard which will keep track of all the FAO projects in the country with project summary and data; • Develop a system to ensure the timely provision of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, subcontracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors and in liaison with other support units; • Develop and maintain database that will facilitate and track the internal administrative processes of functions from different users at field level and to the focal units at the FAO Representation. • Ensure that the web-based tools are capable of preparing statistical tables, graphs, maps and other information outputs; • Organize project task force meetings (as required) and act as the secretariat to such meetings; • Update the status of LFM, work-plan and budget in FPMIS for pipeline and ongoing projects; • Contribute towards ensuring the timely provision of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, subcontracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors; • Ensure the completeness and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (e.g. GRMS, FPMIS), for all assigned operational field projects and activities and all data stored in the database is checked for accuracy; • Monitor progress of the projects, facilitate/support operational and financial closure and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints; • Manage project budgets and Field Budget Authorization (FBAs) and ensure the correct revisions of budget/FBAs as required; • Contribute towards ensuring the timely preparation and submission of the project progress/implementation, terminal reports and any other reports required by the Organization and contribute towards the preparation of analytical reports on project performances, as required; • Coordinate action concerning the completion of field projects and arrange for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements; • Analyse the project status and take action or provide recommendations to the responsible units and officers for correction action on timely basis; • Analyse country level portfolio and draft presentation to report country level status of projects/ programme; • Provide operational support and promote capacity development at the country-level; • Contribute to the resource mobilization activities in the preparation and/or assessment of new projects; • Participate in the identification and preparation of concept note and project formulation as required, and provide necessary support on the development of project work plans, operational clearance, appraisal and approval process in FPMIS, quality assurance • Perform other related duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced (Masters) degree in Computer science, Finance, Business Management or a closely related field. • For advanced degree at least seven (7) years of relevant work experience in planning, implementation, and administration of development programmes and projects, including the preparation, monitoring or evaluation of development projects; • Working knowledge (level C) of English and the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari); • National of Lebanon.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Working experience in complex programme management; • Previous work experience with the UN is an advantage; • Good knowledge of corporate information systems; • Experience working with donors and other partners; • Additional relevant professional experience in Lebanon, particularly in project cycle management, public administration or project operations is a strong advantage; • Excellent data visualization skills; • Excellent data reading and data reporting skills.

Selection Criteria

• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report • Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills in English. • The incumbent must possess teamwork spirit, ability to work under minimum supervision, flexibility • Capacity to take initiative, and suggest modifications in the process • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability • Contributes effectively to team work and team outcomes • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

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.