Operations Specialist

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

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 These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

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 FAOs 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.

If you need help or have queries please create a one-time registration with FAOs client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• 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 FAOs 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

FAOs 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.

The FAO Coordination Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS) Programme implements the Country Programming Framework for Palestine to enhance the wellbeing of Palestinian people by making the agrifood system more efficient inclusive resilient and sustainable in alignment with national policies and strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF).

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO WBGS (West Bank and Gaza Strip) Head of Office the direct supervision of the Operations Officer and in close collaboration with the Head of Programme and other relevant personnel as appropriate.

Technical Focus

Provides operational support to the field programme including development emergency and rehabilitation projects and oversees the effective implementation of programme and project activities at the country level ensuring timely and results-oriented delivery.

Tasks and responsibilities

Participate in project meetings collaborates in new project formulation and provide technical and/or operational support to ongoing projects;

Support programme personnel in the preparation of project work plans monitor progress and where necessary identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;

Monitor and prepare analytical reports on project performance particularly cash received and delivery as required;

Prepare budget revisions for the ongoing projects as required;

Assist in resource mobilization efforts by liaising with donors in alignment with the Resource Mobilization Strategy and under the guidance of WBGS management;

Support operations personnel to strengthen compliance in Internal Control to facilitate effective and efficient actions by identifying and assessing risks and Fraud Prevention Plan (FPP) to improve planning and monitoring of the fraud risks responses;

Assist the supervisor in managerial tasks to lead and coordinate operational support of FAO WBGS project activities;

Coordinate actions related to timely field project completion/closure including identification of project follow-up requirements;

Assist with the monitoring of project proposals and revisions ensuring that proposals pass through FAO internal appraisal processes and are in line with funding agreements and donor requirements;

Assist the management in the review of draft agreements with donors or UN organizations before HQ clearances;

Establish and maintain partnership with HQ units and regional office related to donor liaison finance legal matters partnerships security and technical specialties and when required;

Liaise with UNDPs Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) and other UN Organizations as well as relevant authorities and partners to obtain/exchange information and ensure coordination for FAO interventions;

Ensure compliance with UNDSS security requirements for personnel premises and assets.

Ensure that FAOs Project Cycle Management guidelines are applied in all phases of project management;

Ensure the quality of data/documentation in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) for all pipeline and operational field projects;

Facilitate budget management in line with FAOs rules and regulations in support of the ongoing projects and support the day-to-day operations of the FAOs offices in Jerusalem Ramallah (West Bank) and Gaza City (Gaza Strip);

Monitor the availability of funds under all projects; ensure financial commitments and expenditures are accurate and consistent with established guidelines; monitor/approve field expenditures and ensure projects budgets are always up to date;

Forecast and monitor annual programme delivery estimate and monitor the Offices Administrative and Operational Support (AOS) budget earnings and expenditure;

Assist management in updating the resource mobilization analysis aligned with the Country Programme Framework (CPF);

Review interim/progress and terminal report of each project and ensure the timely preparation and submission of the interim or final financial reports to the donor(s);

Ensure day-to-day running of the FAO WBGS office including personnel premises assets and the vehicle fleet; assist in optimizing the management of Offices premises and vehicles the allocation of space and the provision of services for the maintenance of premises and the vehicle fleet;

Provide support to the Gaza office during the absence of the Field Operations Specialist including programme implementation personnel management logistics and security coordination.

Liaises with donors and government (COGAT) authorities at the appropriate level on emergency response and development assistance;

Acts as Audit Focal Point for EUC funded Projects (verifications).

Supervise the local consultant (Operations Support) ensuring tasks are completed effectively and in alignment with project objectives;

Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in public administration business administration economics accounting or finance development studies or a closely related field. Consultants with bachelors degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.

At least five years of professional experience in project management/operations and support.

Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

Results Focus

Teamwork

Communication

Building Effective Relationships

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Working experience with UN agencies/International organizations is desirable.

Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation implementation and management.

Extent and relevance of experience in budgetary planning budget management and financial reporting.

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

Knowledge of international humanitarian architecture including the UN System NGOs etc. is desirable and understanding of FAO policies and programmes is an asset.

Demonstrated ability to work in a team and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks.

Ability to travel across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Extent of familiarity with the geographical region.

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