Operations Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
There is growing international recognition that the agricultural sectors—including crops, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, and livestock—play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. These sectors are consistently highlighted as key priorities in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by African countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
As an accredited agency to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Adaptation Fund, FAO supports Guinea in advancing its climate action commitments. This includes alignment with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, particularly in the implementation of Guinea’s NDCs. The FAO Guinea Country Office is witnessing a growing portfolio of projects financed through these vertical climate funds.
To strengthen the operational delivery of this expanding portfolio, FAO Guinea is seeking a qualified Operations Specialist to lead the coordination and implementation of programme activities, with a particular focus on the FAO-GEF project portfolio
The recruited GEF Projects Operation Specialist will be based at FAO country office in Conakry, Guinea.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Guinea, and with functional support from the Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW), the Operations Specialist will work in close collaboration with the Programme and Administration Units of the Representation, project coordinators, and in consultation with relevant units at the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and FAO Headquarters. The Operations Specialist will be responsible for the operational management of assigned field projects and programmes, in accordance with FAO’s rules, procedures, guidelines, and best practices.

Technical Focus

Lead and coordinate the operational support function of the FAO Guinea project portfolio with a particular focus on the GEF project portfolio.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Serve as the operational focal point for all GEF project matters in Guinea, ensuring alignment with FAO-GEF policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
• Be responsible for the regular control of budgetary aspects and budget revision requirements, including monitoring of cash in-flow from various donors and partners; keep the GEF Project Coordinator fully informed in this respect to allow for effective planning and implementation of project inputs;
• Monitor and review GEF project budgets, prepare budget revisions, and ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting in line with GEF and FAO standards.
• Monitor financial status and expenditure trends, flagging any issues of under- or over-expenditure.
• Provide operational, financial, and administrative assistance to the Budget Holder and Project Coordinator to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of GEF project’s activities;
• Oversee daily financial and administrative operations, including affiliate personnel management, contractual arrangements, provision of equipment, Travel, logistics, and field disbursements, work planning and reporting obligations and identifies corrective measures to address operational constraints.;
• Support the country office in managing relations with GEF Implementing Partners (IPs), including contractual arrangements and operational oversight.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of GEF project activities in coordination with the Project Management Unit and technical consultants.
• Monitor the implementation of the FAO Fees Work Plan and ensure timely execution of related activities
• Ensure completeness and quality of project data and documentation in FAO corporate systems (e.g., GRMS, FPMIS) and maintain proper archiving of all project-related materials.
• Ensure the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) for each project is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of GEF projects results.
• Prepares programme-level analytical reports (e.g. funding requirements and gaps, project delivery, project performance, etc.).
• Supervise and mentor the affiliate personnel of the operations team, contributing to knowledge sharing and strengthening the operational capacity of the FAO office in Guinea.
• Coordinate the timely preparation and submission of all required project reports, including Project Implementation Reports (PIR), co-financing reports, and tracking tools
• Ensure proper documentation and archiving of all GEF project-related materials in FAO corporate systems.
• Ensure completeness and quality of project data in FAO corporate systems (e.g., GRMS, FPMIS) for all ongoing and pipeline projects.
• Contribute to the development of new GEF project proposals, including operational inputs for concept notes and full project documents.
• Undertake field missions to monitor the technical and operational performance of GEF projects and provide actionable recommendations.
• Assist in organizing stakeholder consultations and project evaluations.
• Perform any other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree or University degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience in public or business administration, project management, 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 (proficiency - level C) of French and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience on GCF, GEF or International Financial Institution (IFI) is an advantage.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions in West Africa is desirable;
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation;
• Extent and relevance of Experience in donor-funded project cycle management;
• 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 actors;
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in liaising with international donor organizations and development partners in preparing / reviewing financial information contained in funding proposals in donor specific formats;
• Knowledge GEF and other major donor funding programs is desirable
• Experience in formulation or implementation of projects in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for GEF, GCF and other climate finance donor agencies.
• Experience working with other UN agencies, RECs and FAO country Offices in project implementation

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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