Operations Officer

Organizational Setting The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to formulate and implement policies, programs 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 FAO Representation in Syria is organized around three main units: Programme, Operations and Administration. The current portfolio of projects in Syria includes activities related to Crop production & protection, Animal Health & Livestock production, Water for production, Environment & Climate Change, Gender & Social Inclusion, and is implemented with humanitarian, transitional and development funding.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Damascus, Syria.

Reporting Lines The Operations Officer reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Syria.

In dealing with the day-to-day operations of projects under FAO’s country programme, the incumbent works closely with the Assistant FAORs (Programme and Administration), the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) on issues related to operations, emergency and preparedness and with the functional guidance of relevant technical divisions at FAO headquarters and the Multidisciplinary Team, as well as the Field Programme Group in the FAO Regional Office for Near East (RNE) in Cairo.

Technical Focus Leads and coordinates the operational support function of the field programme, including development, emergency and rehabilitation projects.

Key Results Effective and efficient coordination, as well as provision of the operational support to the field programme and project activities.

Key Functions • Manages day-to-day operations on matters relating to the implementation of FAO field programmes, including emergency, rehabilitation and development project operations. • Participates in the design and formulation of project proposals, ensures quality assurance under different funding arrangements. • Coordinates project budget preparation, financial control, human resource management, travel, logistics, missions and operation backstopping to field offices. • Oversees the support and strengthening of the operational structure, including training of national personnel, to ensure the necessary operational capacity is maintained for the implementation of the FAO field programme. • Coordinates the preparation of emergency, rehabilitation and development project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. • Liaises with FAO technical units to ensure technical quality in programme and project activities. • Analyses the Government requests for emergency, rehabilitation and development assistance and develops project and programme proposals to mobilize donor (and aid programmes of the UN system) funds for FAO operations in line with the Country Programming Framework (CPF). • Supports resource mobilization efforts by liaising with donors (in line with the Resource Mobilization Strategy). • Coordinates the preparation of briefs, financial and programme/project implementation reports, including final statements to governments and donors. • Builds and maintains partnerships with relevant stakeholders and/or partners to develop capacity for efficient field programme/project delivery. • Coordinates field monitoring, programming and assessment missions as required to assess the emerging needs and implementation of the project as well as to plan project activities. • Liaises with other UN organizations and partners (non-governmental organizations, national authorities and donors, etc.) at the appropriate level on emergency response and development assistance. • Coordinates and participates in technical and international meetings. • Performs other related duties as required.

Specific Functions • Supervises national operations officer(s). • Liaises with UN agencies, humanitarian and development partners and beneficiaries on country programme implementation and delivery; acts as a focal point within relevant UN established working groups (such as the Operations Management Team - OMT, Harmonized approach to cash transfers - HACT, the Programme Management Team - PMT, the Risk Management Working Group - RMWG, etc.) so as to ensure close collaboration with other agencies and coordination leading to smooth implementation of FAO Syria field programme. • Provides advice and guidance to the Assistant FAOR (Administration) in the areas of administration, finance and budgetary control to ensure greater compliance with FAO rules and regulations including donor’s requirements. • Coordinates the provision of training on appropriate accountability, oversight and monitoring strategies and implementation of corporate guidelines, in close coordination with support services units (Administration, Finance, HR, Travel and Procurement). • Leads the preparation and implementation of FAO corporate exercises (Country Risk Log, Office Fraud Prevention Plan - FPP, Office Internal Control Questionnaire - ICQ, Office Business Continuity Plan - BCP and Office Financial Risk Assessment). ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in agriculture, economics, business administration and management, international relations or another field related to the work of the Organization. • Seven years of relevant experience in the management, operation and support of emergency - rehabilitation and development programmes. • 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 field programme/project operations in the food security and agriculture sector. • Familiarity with FAO's Project cycle guidelines and knowledge of FAO processes and administrative systems is considered a strong asset. • Extent and relevance of experience in liaising with international donor organizations and development partners and in preparing proposals for funding, monitoring budgets and preparing financial reports in donor specific formats. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme or project management. • Proven experience with UN regulations and procedures will be an asset.