Operations Officer (Head of Operations)

Organizational Setting The FAO Representation in Georgia (FEGEO) is a multi-accreditation office of the Organization with a non-residential FAO Representative (FAOR). FEGEO is leading FAO's response to the national priorities related to food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in in the country. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the country closely interlinked with and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Georgia and the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF). FAO Georgia formulates and implements the programme drawing on technical expertise from its Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and Headquarters as well closely working with partners in the private sector, academia and the Civil Society.

FEGEO has an increasing portfolio of projects, with a significant component of EU funded projects, implemented with a large team of national and international staff, and several offices throughout the country. FAO's main areas of work, based on the CPF, are focused on technical assistance, value chain development, food safety and environment.

The EU funded projects in Georgia, mainly under the ENPARD programme, focus on supporting the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA) as well as direct support to farmers, cooperatives and SMEs in the sector of agriculture to promote a more inclusive, sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Tbilisi, Georgia under the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) IV programme.

Reporting Lines The Operations Officer (Head of Operations) reports to the FAOR in Georgia.

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 • Organizes and chairs project task force meetings. • Coordinates the overall project's operations for FAO Georgia ensuring 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 by liaising with other support units. • Oversees the budget management of assigned projects acting on behalf of the Budget Holder, including proposed budget revisions and financial reporting. • Contributes as a member to the Local Procurement Committee for the procurement of goods and services. • Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and, where necessary, identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. • Reviews and monitors project budget and prepares requests and revisions as required. • Maintains and alerts about budget expenditures and resources. • Reviews project transaction listings with the objective of identifying errors in accounting against budget lines. • Prepares and submits the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization. • Ensures the complete and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems for all assigned operational field projects/activities. • Contributes to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO's procedures and prepare project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different funding arrangements. • Engages with selected donors to expand and diversify the country's portfolio by securing financial resources. • Contributes to the FAO Georgia extension team to support selected trainings on crop production aspects, including cover crops, temperate fruits and vegetables. • Provides guidance to members of the FAO Georgia Operations and Administration teams on relevant procedures to be followed. • Supervises assigned project staff and provides technical and operational guidance accordingly. • Participates in and chairs interview panels for the recruitment of selected national and international personnel. • Performs other duties as required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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.