Operations Specialist

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 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. 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.

Project brief outline

Within the framework of the country’s effort to support Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) as part of the larger project consortium led by FAO, the Project GCP/GLO/1069/GER-F: “Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions” (FACE-NDC) is intended to be implemented from 2023-2027. The objective of the project is to develop a climate education (CE) program for all members of the Zambian society. The project will map institutions and stakeholders, identify country specificities and requirements of vulnerable groups to engage in CE. It will develop and accredit CE curricula for primary and secondary schools, develop supporting materials and train educators to integrate the CE program into existing programs. Specialized courses for university students and professionals will be developed. The capacity of local academic and digital infrastructure will be built for effective implementation. Informal education program will be developed and the capacity of local stakeholders for implementation will be strengthened. It will also be ensured that the results, tools and resources of the project can be “exported”, target groups in Zambia and the region are informed about the project activities and outputs via open communication channels and open-access information platform.

The support is based on the guidelines as provided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF). The current Zambia CPF has five priority areas: (1) Increased and Gender Responsive Productivity and Production, and enhanced Research and Development (Crops, Livestock, Capture Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Forestry); (2) Inclusive Agri-business Development, Marketing and Trading; (3) Inclusive Green Growth and Environmental Sustainability; (4) Nutrition and Food Systems enhancement, and Social Protection; (5) Inclusive and Gender Responsive Policy Development and Implementation.

The incumbent’s tasks will mainly contribute to the third priority.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes), and close supervision of the Project Coordinator, and close collaborations with the Operations officer in HQ for this project, the Operations Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day operations in conformity with the relevant rules, procedures and practices of the Organization. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as a focal point for all project operational matters, organize and handle the day-to-day operational activities of the field programme and take action in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period. • Prepare project task force meetings and provide secretariat support. • Ensure 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. • Retrieve, enter, select and analyse data from a wide variety of sources, including FAO’s corporate systems and data bases; verify accuracy of data documents; make necessary calculations. • Monitor the receipt of Government contributions and the transfer of ownership of the Organization’s equipment. • Support the streamlining of procedures and practices and the introduction of new information technologies to the office/project. • Participate in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. • Support and facilitate the organisation of workshops and conferences related to the FACE Project. • Review and monitor the project budget, prepare requests and revisions as required, maintain and monitor budget expenditures and resources, reviews project transaction listings with a view to identify errors in accounting against budget lines. • Monitor the implementation of Letters of Agreement and assure the quality of submitted reports assist in certifying the compliance for subsequent disbursements of instalments. • Contribute to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. • Prepare and submit the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization. • Ensure 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. • Prepare analytical reports on project performances as required. • Coordinate action concerning the completion of field projects and arrange for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements. • Contribute 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. • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Supply Chain Management or any other related field. • Minimum of five (5) years relevant work experience. • Working knowledge of the English language • National of Zambia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset; and familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset. • Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

Selection Criteria

• Professional experience with strong analytical and report writing skills; experience in undertaking field surveys, including interviews/consultation with multiple stakeholders and with government counterparts. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and focus on results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.