Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAcontributes 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.

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 highquality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Unio, 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.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFaligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCand ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
(i   advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(i   provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(ii    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(i   position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(   ensure risksmart and accountable operations and management.

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, communitybased organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting valueadding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving postharvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculturebased livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The National Operations Specialist will be under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in the Philippines, working in close coordination with the Assistant FAO Representatives for Programme and Administration and collaboration with Project Team Leaders/Coordinators.

Technical Focus

The National Operations Specialist performs a wide range of operational management functions at the FAO Philippines country office including monitoring of project implementation, resources and progress, resolving outstanding operational issues, coordination of administration and logistical arrangements as well as liaison with the projects’ Funding Liaison Officer (FL, Lead Technical Officer (LTand Budget Holder in HQs and RAP.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Ensure the coordination of all project operational and financial matters, organize and handle the daytoday operational activities and take action in consultation with the FAO Representative on any issues which arise during the execution period;
•    Monitor the project work plan, budget, procurement and recruitment plans and milestones to ensure best use of project resources, recommend actions to avoid projects slippage and propose midterm corrective action as the case necessitates;
•    Ensure the timely provision of project inputs (technical services, personnel, contracts, training, equipment and suppliedirectly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors and in liaison with the Programme and Administration Units;
•    Participate in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and identify corrective measures to overcome operational and financial constraints;
•    Review and monitor the project budget, prepare requests for Field Budget Authorizations (FBAand revisions as required, maintain and monitor budget expenditures and resources, review project transaction listings with a view to identify errors in accounting against budget lines;
•    Ensure the completeness, quality and timeliness of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (e.g. GRMS, FPMI;
•    Support preparations for project midterm monitoring and evaluation activities, including drafting ToRs for the evaluators;
•    In close consultation with Project Team Leaders, facilitate the recruitment of project staff/consultants;
•    Provide support to project task force, steering committee meetings, project workshops as required;
•    Prepare analytical reports on project performances as required;
•    Monitor adherence to relevant FAO and donor policies and processes;
•    Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced degree in operations management, project management, strategic management, business administration agribusiness management, or similar.
•    At least 7 years of relevant experience in project management and strategic planning at national and/or international levels
•    Working knowledge (Level of English
•    A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•    Indepth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•    Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•    Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Poin