National Project Personnel – Project Operations Assistant

Organizational Setting

Following the integrated policy for Leaving No One Behind and social protection, FAO and UNICEF are working together on UNJP/PHI/073/CEF - Scaling up the joint programme (JP) on risk-informed shock-responsive social protection (RISRSP) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). With a magnitude of subsistence poor population at 1.2 million, the severity of poverty in the region suggests that more households are still needing assistance. As such, additional efforts and investments including more humanitarian cash transfers and other forms of social protection will be critical to safeguard the lives and livelihood, particularly of the vulnerable population, from the threat of natural and human-induced shocks and further exacerbated by the pandemic.

The JP recognizes that scaling-up cash-based programming and RISRSP systems is a strategic approach to improve food security, health and nutrition, and protect households’ assets as well as increase income of the most vulnerable population. Additionally, the programme intends to be conflict sensitive in all stages of its planning and implementation. It will fully involve local communities in a way that will strengthen social cohesion. When designing anticipatory actions or social protection intervention against climate-hazards, it is vital to consider the potential link to and impacts of conflict, as the success of the intervention may depend on it.

Reporting Lines

The Project Operations Assistant directly reports to the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme.

Technical Focus

Performs operational support functions in the delivery and accomplishment of project deliverables and activities of the UNJP/PHI/073/CEF project.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of FAO’s Mindanao Sub-Office, the direct supervision of the Conflict-Sensitive Programming Specialist/Project Team Leader, the Project Operations Assistant will provide support in the management and implementation of the UNJP/PHI/073/CEF Project.

Specifically, the Project Operations Assistant will carry out the following tasks:

• Provide support in the preparation, monitoring and compliance of Letters of Agreement (LoA), and other agreed works and deliverables, by partners; • Support the implementation and monitoring of Anticipatory Action (AA) and RISRSP project operations related to cash and non-cash activities and other areas of FAO’s mandate; • In consultation with the AA and RISRSP Teams in FAO Mindanao Sub Office, analyze Government requests for emergency and rehabilitation assistance under the relevant project documents • Assist the field team in the timely delivery of operations in line with project work plans and provide suggestions to overcome any potential bottlenecks; • Participate in the development of project work plans and subsequent activities’ implementation in consultation with relevant FAO personnel, partners and stakeholders, including government counterparts; • Prepare HR plans based on existing and fore-coming project documents and monitor relevant resource allocations and expenditures; • Liaise with the Field Coordinators and Project Team Leaders , the Administrative Unit and support the Programme Unit of the FAO Office in the Philippines on relevant issues related to programme implementation (i.e. budget preparation, financial control, human resources management, travel/logistics operations, missions, procurement and operational backstopping to the field); • Provide support in reviewing the request for Operational Cash Advances (OCA) before submitting to Administration. • Ensure proper and timely submission of liquidation report , etc.; • Provide assistance in the use of relevant FAO systems-based tools in project management; including the generation of Transaction Listing and Financials Statement • Ensure quality review of the Purchase Requisitions prepared by the Project Field Assistant (including project code used and specifications). • Maintain close coordination with the FAOPH Procurement Unit to monitor progress and ensure prompt delivery of procurement transactions; • Coordinate and support missions from the FAO Offices, donors, governments, and other partners; • Participate in project monitoring by maintaining current registers and controlling tools on the status of projects at various stages; • Assist in preparing minutes of meetings, presentation materials and project reports; • Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Business Administration, Agribusiness Management or other related disciplines; • At least four (4) years relevant and progressive experience in project operations • National of the Philippines • Working knowledge (level C) of English and Tagalog

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevant experience in field project operations in either emergency/rehabilitation and development assistance; • Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset; • Ability to plan and work under pressure and within tight deadlines; • Computer literate and proficient in word processing and in spreadsheets (MS applications);

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.