National Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR) , 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. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars: (i) promotion of inclusive agrifood food systems; (ii) building resilience to climate change, agricultural treats and crisis (iii) support to the sustainable management of natural resources. The position is located in the Zimbabwe country office in Harare.

Reporting Lines

The Operations Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative

Technical Focus

• Financial and budget monitoring • Project Proposal quality monitoring • Letters of Agreement quality assurance

Tasks and responsibilities

• Ensures the effective management of the project cycle in Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) including, amongst others, timely opening of the funded projects, financial monitoring, expenditure forecast and project closure. • Prepares financial reports in non-FAO formats, by using the Results Based modules in FPMIS. • Reviews 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. • Reviews new project budgets to ensure compliance with donor requirements and FAO budget guidelines. • Prepares and processes budget revisions as requested using the FPMIS Budget module. • Maps expenditures in FPMIS, in consultation with the respective Project Managers and Finance Associates. • Keeps track of salary expenditure and ensure adherence to both number of months and amounts budgeted for relevant staff members. • Works with Project Managers to fill in and upload documents in accordance with the new Project Cycle Management requirements. • Reviews and rationalise expenditures to ensure adherence to project budgets. • Keeps a record of adjustments and follow up as needed across projects, operations and technical teams • Reviews Implementing Partners’ (IP) Financial reports ensuring donor compliance and project timelines. • Uploads relevant documents in FPMIS to keep project records up to date. • Works closely with the Procurement Unit for the procurement of inputs and services for the implementation of project related activities. • Carries out verification exercises of IP’s accounts to ensure expenditures presented are true and fair. • Contributes towards the preparation of briefs and comprehensive reports. • Participates, if applicable, in assessment of needs and field supervision missions in the framework of the ongoing projects • In collaboration with the Operations, Programme and Finance sections of the Zimbabwe Country Office, undertakes necessary action for the mobilization of donor funds, including inputs in the preparation of project proposals. • Carries out Quality assurance for Letters of Agreement (LoA) • Any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Project Management, Finance, Accounting, Business administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or related discipline • 7 years of relevant work experience in project management/operations and support • Working knowledge (Level C) of English • National of Zimbabwe

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical Skills

• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment; • Good report writing, presentation and analytical skills • Good knowledge of corporate information systems • Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards

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.