Operations Officer

Job Title

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.

Job Summary

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Job Details

• Job Type: Staff position
• Type of Requisition: Professional Project
• Grade Level: P-3
• Primary Location: Malawi-Lilongwe
• Duration: Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extension
• Post Number: 2005515
• CCOG Code: 1A11

Organizational Setting

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 Nations 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.

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.

Specific Functions

• Acts as a focal point for operational support and services to the implementation of both projects.
• Coordinates the preparation and implementation of the Project Task Force (PTF) meetings and provides secretariat services to the PTFs.
• Liaises with other units in FAO Malawi, to facilitate timely provision of inputs (human resources, technical support services, sub-contracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors. Contributes to the preparation of work plans, monitors implementation progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.

Requirements

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 project management, operations and support at the international level.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the UN System with demonstrated knowledge of operational processing for programmes and projects in developing-country contexts is considered an asset.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

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;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;