Programme Specialist for Abkhazia

Organizational Setting

The position is located at the FAO project office in Tbilisi. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by the 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.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Specialist for Abkhazia will work under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator for Abkhazia.

Technical Focus

Assist the FAO Programme Coordinator for Abkhazia (PCA) in the programming, portfolio management and operations of for FAO activities in Abkhazia and other FAO conflict-related interventions

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide supervisory and management support to field activities for FAO Programme in Abkhazia and FAO conflict related interventions. • Coordinates operational support for FAO Programme in Abkhazia and FAO conflict related interventions with direct supervision of the administrative and operations staff recruited for projects’ implementation. • Provides guidance to managers and technical consultants in developing and implementing work plan to include all aspects of project activities. • Ensures timely provision and review of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, sub-contracts, training, equipment / supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors, and by liaising with other' support units; • Provides guidance in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational and programmatic constraints; • Review and monitor regularly project budgets, prepare requests and revisions as required, alerts about budget expenditures and resources with a view to identifying errors in accounting against budget lines for FAO Programme in Abkhazia and FAO conflict related interventions. • Reviews and submits the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization • Leads the formulation of project proposals according to FAO's procedures and prepare project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different' funding arrangements. • Organises and chairs committee meetings under the multi stakeholders Programmatic approach “Enhance resilience and livelihood of rural women in Abkhazia and adjacent other regions of Georgia” • Acts as a focal point with Georgian MFA and MIA for management of movements of goods and staff from Tbilisi-Administered Territory to breakaway Abkhazia and ensure smooth development of trans-ABL activities in coordination with the Projects’ management. • Acts as a focal point for UNCT Human Right Task Group. • Acts as a focal point for UNCT Outcome 4 : By 2025, conflict affected communities enjoy enhanced human security and resilience • Assists the PCA acting as focal point on behalf of the RPL for discussions related to the Geneva International Dialogue (GID), the UN Country Team in Georgia in areas related to Abkhazia and the Abkhazia Strategic Partnership (ASP) • Assists the PCA in maintaining a close liaison and communication with the diplomatic representations investing in humanitarian support to Abkhazia, in relation to the implementation of FAO Programme in Abkhazia. • Assists the PCA in maintaining fluid communication with the de facto authorities in order to protect FAO access to Abkhazia • Monitoring and Evaluation system for all the projects in Abkhazia, with monthly updates of the workplan and log frame indicators. • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, forestry, economics, international relationships or a related field • Three years of relevant experience in project or programme management, administration or related area • Working knowledge (Level C) in English and Russian is required.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience working with conflict affected populations will be considered as an asset. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable. • Extent and relevance of experience and skills in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation at country and regional levels, • Extent of knowledge of administrative, operational and financial procedures related to project management and operations • Computer literacy with spreadsheets, databases and electronic programmes is an asset • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset • Quality of both oral and written communication skills;