Operations Officer

Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 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. The position is located in the FAO Representation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under the functional guidance of the FAO Representative in DRC. The Operations Officer will be expected to implement and develop the FAO-DRC communication strategy and promote FAO visibility. The operations officer works in close coordination with the technical units, field teams, relevant heads of units and technical units in the Subregional office, the Regional Office and in headquarters. He/she receives technical guidance from the Office of Emergency and Resilience as well as field programme support from the Regional Office. The post is located in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Reporting Lines The Operations Officer reports to the Deputy FAO Representative.

Technical Focus Contribute to the operational support function of the field programme, including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, both national and regional/global projects.

Key Results The provision of operation support services.

Key Functions • Acts as a focal point for all project operational matters, organizes and handles the day-to-day operational activities of the field programme (including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects) and takes action in consultation with supervisors on any issues that arise during the execution period. • Prepares project task force meetings and provides secretariat support. • Ensures the timely provision of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, sub-contracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors and in liaison with other support units. • Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. • Reviews and monitors the project budget, prepares requests and revisions as required, maintains and monitors budget expenditures and resources, reviews project transaction listings with a view to identify errors in accounting against budget lines. • Prepares and submits the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization. • Ensures 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. • Prepares analytical reports on project performances as required. • Coordinates action concerning the completion of field projects and arranges for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements. • Contributes to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO's procedures and prepares project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different funding arrangements. • Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions • Guides and trains relevant FAO team/personnel in the country on project implementation in accordance with the project cycle, including compliance with project objectives, donor regulations, budgetary management and monitoring of the approved field expenditures. • Reviews current operations processes in the project offices in DRC and makes recommendations to improve the relevant practices while keeping up with FAO operational rules and procedures. • Prepares the project’s operational and procurement plans for the timely provision of inputs for personnel, technical support services, subcontracts, training, equipment/supplies and other needs related to the project's operations in line with the project's work plan and procurement plans. • Supports the preparation of work plans, monitors progress and, where necessary, identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. • Ensures project budget preparation and participates in final project’s narrative and financial reports according to FAO rules and policies, if required. • Liaises with relevant FAO technical units at the FAO Subregional, Regional Office and headquarters, as well as any other technical consultants working in support of the project/s, to ensure technical quality in project activities. • Follows up on administrative actions related to travel, human resources-related and procurement of goods and services. • Monitors the financial status and expenditure transaction listing of the project and signals any areas of low-delivery or over-expenditure and ensures all expenditures meet the Donors' criteria. • Supports timely preparation and submission of project reports in accordance to the reporting requirements of the project, securing the necessary inputs from technical officers and project partners. • Supports resource mobilization effort through liaison with donor and respect of funding agreement arrangements. • Supports project cycle management as per FAO guidelines (from project opening to closure) with special emphasis on projects in need of actions in FPMIS (filed project management information system). • Participates in the formulation of new project proposals, including preparation of budgets. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced degree in agriculture economics, economics, public or business administration, social sciences or other fields related to the FAO mandate. • Five years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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, particularly in field positions. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation. • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes. • Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder projects. • Extent of experience in formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects. • Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned actors. • Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures.