Operations Specialist

Support operational management for RNE initiatives in compliance with FAO procedures.

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline in 12 days: Tuesday 1 Sep 2026 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Support operational management for RNE initiatives in compliance with FAO procedures.

You have:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, international development, agriculture, project management, public administration, international relations or relevant discipline.
At least one year of relevant experience in programme/project management, operations, coordination or related areas.
Working knowledge of English.
Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.

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Details

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) leads FAO's support to countries in the Region in transforming their agrifood systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development and ensures the planning and implementation of FAO's strategic response in the region through a multidisciplinary approach. It implements approved programmes and projects, monitors programme implementation and ensures that they contribute to addressing regional priorities.

RNE supports regional policy dialogues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports knowledge exchange, capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. It develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Finance Unit of RNE provides financial management support to ensure effective implementation of FAO programmes and operations in the Region. The Unit supports sound financial stewardship through timely and accurate processing of financial transactions, monitoring of budget implementation, financial reporting, account reconciliation, asset management and the application of FAO's financial policies, procedures and internal control frameworks.

The Operations Specialist will contribute to the effective delivery of financial services by supporting the day-to-day financial operations of the Regional Office, ensuring accuracy, compliance and efficiency in financial processes, and providing quality support to internal stakeholders.

Reporting Lines

The Operations Specialist will report to the Senior Advisor.

Technical Focus

Provide operational management support to RNE initiatives through effective coordination, monitoring of implementation processes, support to project cycle management, reporting, and facilitation of operational linkages between, administrative and technical teams.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operational aspects of RNE projects throughout the project cycle, in accordance with established FAO operational procedures, internal control requirements and risk management measures, and in response to audit recommendations, as applicable. • Provide operational support for the preparation, review and processing of operational documentation, implementation plans and related records, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures and internal control requirements. • Support monitoring of operational processes and implementation of operational activities, to strengthen operational oversight, mitigate operational risks and support the implementation of audit recommendations. • Assist in the preparation of reports, briefs, presentations, and other relevant documentation. • Collect, compile and analyze information and data to support decision-making and reporting. • Support coordination among technical units, administrative services and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with operational procedures, internal controls and risk mitigation measures. Provide support in the preparation and organization of meetings, workshops, missions and other related events. • Liaise with FAO technical units, country offices and headquarters units to support operational coordination, compliance and implementation of audit recommendations. Maintain and update monitoring tools, databases and information systems, as applicable. • Support the preparation of correspondence with partners, institutions and other stakeholders. • Assist in identifying operational challenges and contribute to recommendations for improving operational effectiveness and processes with particular emphasis on strengthening internal controls, managing operational risks and implementing audit recommendations. • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, economics, international development, agriculture, project management, public administration, international relations or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. • At least one year of relevant experience in programme/project management, operations, coordination or related areas. • Working knowledge of English. Knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience supporting programme or project implementation, monitoring and reporting. • Experience in preparing project documents, reports, briefs and other programme-related materials. • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. • Ability to analyze information, identify issues and support practical solutions. • Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders in an international environment. • Good communication and coordination skills. • Proficiency in standard office software applications. • Experience working with the United Nations system or international organizations would be an asset. • Knowledge of FAO programme management procedures and systems would be desirable.

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Potential interview questions

Describe a time you had to ensure compliance with financial procedures in a project. What steps did you take?	This question assesses your understanding of compliance and financial management.	Provide a specific example of how you navigated financial compliance, including any challenges faced and how you overcame them.
Can you give an example of how you managed multiple tasks and priorities in a previous role?	This question evaluates your organizational and time management skills.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to analyze information and identify operational issues?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure effective communication and coordination among multidisciplinary teams?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with project cycle management and any challenges you've faced.	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a report or document you prepared that required detailed data analysis. What was the process?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use to keep track of operational processes and ensure compliance?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you address operational challenges in a team environment?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.