International Operations Specialist
Salary not disclosedPosted 1 day ago
Closes in 20 days
About the company
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations working toward the eradication of hunger and food security for everyone under the 2030 Agenda. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) provides policy, technical, programme and operational support to Pacific Island countries and territories, covering agrifood systems, fisheries, forestry, climate resilience, natural resource management, food security and nutrition. FAO maintains an office in Fiji and implements a growing portfolio of activities in Fiji and across the Pacific.
About the role
The Operations Specialist will be based in the FAO Fiji Office and will provide operational support to assigned projects and programme activities. The role works under the overall guidance of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (FAO SAP). The incumbent collaborates closely with Lead Technical Officers, the Budget Holder, project coordinators, operations and programme personnel, colleagues in the FAO Fiji Office, relevant FAO technical and administrative units, and government and implementing partners. The technical focus covers operational planning, implementation support, budget monitoring, procurement and human resources coordination, project monitoring and reporting, risk management, compliance, operational capacity development and liaison with government and implementing partners for assigned projects.
Key responsibilities
- Serve as the operational focal point for assigned project activities, coordinating day-to-day implementation and escalating operational constraints and risks with proposed solutions.
- Support preparation and regular updating of project work plans, operational plans, procurement plans, staffing plans and delivery forecasts aligned with approved budgets and timelines.
- Monitor project implementation, milestones, indicators, delivery, commitments and expenditures, identifying slippage and bottlenecks and recommending corrective action.
- Review project budgets and transaction listings, support budget revisions and funding reallocations, and contribute to orderly financial closure of projects.
- Coordinate timely provision of project inputs including personnel, technical support services, travel, Letters of Agreement, contracts, training, equipment and supplies.
- Support recruitment and onboarding of project personnel and consultants, and provide ongoing operational guidance to personnel engaged under assigned projects.
- Prepare or coordinate procurement documentation such as Invitations to Bid, Requests for Quotation, Requests for Proposal and Letters of Agreement, and participate in local procurement and review committees.
- Prepare and coordinate project governance meetings, compile supporting documentation, provide secretariat support, and support preparation and submission of implementation, narrative, financial and donor reports.
About the successful candidate
- Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in Business Administration, Public Administration, Project Management, Finance, Economics or a related field.
- Candidates with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in project/programme management, operations, or financial management.
- Knowledge of FAO rules, procedures and systems would be an asset.
- Working knowledge (level C) of English.
- Demonstrated competencies in Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.