Operations Officer (WASOP)

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities.

RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

West African fisheries are a vital source of food security, livelihoods, and socio-economic revenue. However, it faces significant challenges as overfishing, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and limited surveillance and monitoring of under managed resources, limited and inconsistent data, climate change, vulnerability of coastal communities and the depletion of fish stocks. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multi-faceted approach to strengthen fisheries resilience and sustainability in West Africa. Collaboration with Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs), particularly, the Sub-regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) and the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) and the European Fisheries Contral Agency (EFCA) will build capacity and establish science-based approaches to fisheries management vital to the sustainable management of marine resources.

The Improved Regional Governance of Marine Resources in the Eastern Central Atlantic area (CECAF PESCAO) Programme ended in 2023 and laid out a series of recommendations. Building on them, FAO with the European Union Supported Programme, the “West Africa Sustainable Oceans Programme” (WASOP), aims to implement actions on improving stock assessments and data collection, empowering national institutions and communities through co-management approaches, enhancing access to knowledge the artisanal sector, implementing climate-resilient practices, restoring critical marine habitats and advancing scientific research. Additionally, the CECAF's normative functions, as an article VI body will be supported and effectively executed, including the planning and operation of Working Groups, the Scientific Sub-Committee, and the Committee, ensuring that they effectively contribute to the overarching goals of sustainable fisheries management in the region.

The position is located in the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The Operations Officer (WASOP) reports to the FAO Fisheries Technical Adviser for overall guidance on matters relating to policy, governance and management support in the fisheries sector. The Operations Officer (WASOP) will also collaborate with the WASOP project team, the CECAF Secretariat and associated technical staff, as well as with FAO Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW) and Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI), as required.

Technical Focus

Lead and coordinate the operational support function of the field programme including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects.

Project reporting, operational efficiency, and logistical coordination between FAO and various organizations, with a focus on the West Africa region and exposure to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) frameworks. Aligned with FAO's common vision on sustainable food and agriculture, FAO's Strategic Objectives, and operational guidelines to enhance collaboration and efficiency in regional fisheries projects in Western Africa.

Key Results

The provision of operation support services.

Key Functions

• Acts as a focal point for all project operational matters, organizes and handles the day-to-day operational activities of the field programme (including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects) and takes action in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period.

• Prepares project task force meetings and provides secretariat support.

• Ensures 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.

• Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.

• Reviews and monitors the project budget, prepares requests and revisions as required, maintains and monitors budget expenditures and resources, reviews project transaction listings with a view to identify errors in accounting against budget lines.

• Prepares and submits the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization.

• Ensures the completeness and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (e.g. GRMS'(Global Resource Management System), FPMIS (Field Programme Management Information System)), for all assigned operational field projects and activities.

• Prepares analytical reports on project performance as required.

• Coordinates action concerning the completion of field projects and arranges for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements.

• Contributes to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO's procedures and prepares project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different funding arrangements.

• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Coordinates and oversees the project's operational activities, coordinating with project personnel, consultants, Lead Technical Officer, and managing project facilities to ensure efficient administration and implementation of all project operations.

• Supervises administrative staff and consultants, and manages project facilities and equipment, ensuring optimal use and maintenance.

• Develops, monitors, and updates the project's operational work plan, including detailed budgeting and financial management plans, and prepares the Terms of Reference for personnel/consultants to be recruited.

• Works in close collaboration with the Technical Adviser and Lead Technical Officer to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities and adherence to budgetary conditions, reporting regularly to the required European Union Delegation as necessary, in the context of the FAO Blue Transformation objectives and roadmap.

• Coordinates logistical arrangements for training activities, including financial planning for consultants to be hired, identifying participants, and selecting venues.

• Oversees the planning, leading, and organizing of project meetings, workshops, and other activities as per the CECAF-WASOP workplan, ensuring all logistical and financial aspects are managed effectively.

• Provides operational and financial support in the organization of marine surveys, workshops, training activities, and studies identified in the project work plan, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with financial guidelines.

• Establishes and maintains effective liaison with executing agencies of each participating country, the West Africa Regional Fishery Bodies, CECAF-WASOP partners, key inter-governmental bodies, co-financers, and relevant FAO Regional and Subregional Offices in Africa, focusing on operational and financial coordination.

• Prepares, submits, and oversees the preparation of progress reports, financial reports, and the draft terminal report of the project, ensuring accurate financial reporting and documentation.

• Edits and reviews operational and financial reports prepared by staff and consultants, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

• Facilitates reporting to co-financing donors, providing necessary operational and financial inputs and ensuring timely submission of all required reports.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public or business administration, 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 English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - 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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation.

• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.

• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the establishment and maintaining partnerships with UN agencies, Regional Fisheries Bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as donors and government institutions and agencies.

• Extent of familiarity and working experience in the CECAF region, ECOWAS and/or the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem, the Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem region is desirable.

• Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of Portuguese, Spanish and/or French is considered an 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 stakeholders and/or partners.

• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.