Operations Officer

Organizational Setting The main objective of the FAO Country Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is led by the FAO Representative is to assist governments and partners in developing policies, programmes and projects aimed at to ensure food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The FAO office is also committed to implementing field projects and programmes to implement the policies, strategies and action plan mentioned above. In the specific context of DRC, the country office has an important role in supporting the country and partners in increasing the resilience of livelihoods to food and agriculture threats and crises.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Kinshasa, DRC.

Reporting Lines The Operations Officer reports to the FAO Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Technical Focus Lead and coordinate the operational support function of the field programme including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and 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 which 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 operation 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 with 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 university degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate. • Five years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English.

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, is desirable. • Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation. • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset. • 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 stakeholders and/or partners. • Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.