International Operations Specialist

Reporting Lines

The International Operations Specialist will be working under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Representative to Ghana, the technical supervision of the Technical Adviser, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Head of Programmes) and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator and Technical Committee.

Technical Focus

The Operations Specialist coordinates, monitors, and controls functions in support of FAO’s Operational services. He/she is expected to act as the primary escalation point for all technical issues raised within the project execution. He/she is further expected to contribute to timely and efficient project operations.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide operational management and programmatic support to the implementation of the project, including budgetary management and expenditures monitoring.
• Handle day-to-day operational aspects of projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle from initiation phase to operational and financial closure.
• Assist the Budget Holder in the overall management of the EU project, including budget allocations, budget revisions, etc.
• Liaise between programme and procurement units to ensure timely delivery of assistance to beneficiaries, following project workplans, budget availability and in accordance with relevant manual sections.
• Coordinate the production and clearance of supporting documents (concept notes, project documents, financial and narrative reports, visibility materials).
• 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.
• Ensure preparedness of the field office to scale up following emerging needs.
• Support capacity development of operations unit at the field level, including by attending appropriate meetings and trainings at national level. 
• Perform any other duties as may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
 
• University degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate. 
• 7 years of relevant experience in project management especially in the agricultural sector
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

• 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, 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
• Experience working with community, NGOs and farmer groups is a plus.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list 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 For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.