Overview
The Operations Specialist will provide advanced operational, financial and administrative support to the SAP project portfolio, ensuring effective implementation, compliance with FAO rules and procedures, and timely delivery of programme outputs.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as focal point for project operational matters across the SAP region and manage day-to-day implementation activities.
- Monitor project workplans, budgets, procurement plans and milestones; identify risks and propose corrective actions.
- Support preparation and implementation of project workplans and ensure alignment with FAO strategic objectives.
- Prepare and coordinate project task force meetings and provide organizational support.
- Monitor project budgets, expenditures and resource utilization; prepare budget revisions and financial reports.
- Review project transactions and ensure accurate allocation against budget lines.
- Maintain up-to-date financial records and support project closures.
- Support preparation for procurement processes such as Invitation To Bid (ITB), Request For Quotation (RFQ), Request For Proposal (RFP), and Letter of Agreement (LoA) and Service Contracts under Manual Section 502 in coordination with technical teams.
- Participate in Local Procurement Committees as requested.
- Ensure timely provision of project inputs (personnel, services, equipment, training, etc.).
- Ensure quality and completeness of project data in FAO corporate systems (GRMS, FPMIS, IMIS).
- Prepare analytical and implementation reports for internal and donor reporting.
- Monitor project indicators and proactively address implementation bottlenecks.
- Liaise with government counterparts and support coordination of project activities in the SAP region.
- Support identification and development of new project opportunities, including TCP and donor-funded projects.
- Contribute to resource mobilization efforts and donor engagement.
- Provide operational guidance and training to project staff and national counterparts as requested.
- Support recruitment processes for project personnel and consultants.
- Conduct operational support missions to country offices as required.
- Perform other related duties in line with the assignment Terms of Reference as required.
Required Experience
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in project/programme management, operations, or financial management
- Demonstrated experience in project cycle management and multi-country programme coordination within FAO framework
- Experience working with international organizations and/or development projects
- Experience in the Pacific region or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) context is an advantage
- Experience with GEF and/or GCF projects, including PPG and implementation phases (e.g. OPIM/OPAS), and demonstrated involvement in FAO-funded projects (TCP, Trust Funds) and other donor-funded programmes
Qualifications
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business administration, project management, finance, economics or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
