Junior Operations Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. In Ukraine, FAO has scaled up its presence with three offices located in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, focusing on enhancing national capacities and contributing to the development of agriculture and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, especially in conflict-affected regions.

Job Overview:
The Junior Operations Specialist position is crucial for supporting the operational and administrative functions of FAO Ukraine. The role involves assisting in financial record management, data collection, budget monitoring, and report preparation. The Junior Operations Specialist will work closely with the Operations Officer and Project Coordinators to ensure that all operational tasks are executed in compliance with FAO procedures. This position is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, particularly in the context of humanitarian response and resilience programming in Ukraine. The specialist will also play a key role in supporting the economic recovery of farmers and rural communities affected by conflict, thereby contributing to the broader mission of FAO in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Operations Specialist will be responsible for a variety of operational and administrative tasks, including but not limited to: providing day-to-day operational support to FAO field projects, ensuring compliance with FAO procedures; assisting in the preparation of program and project proposals; coordinating the availability of financial and human resources; supporting procurement and recruitment processes; monitoring project implementation by tracking inputs and expenditures; assisting with logistical arrangements for field missions and meetings; maintaining operational and technical data in corporate systems; providing administrative support for Letters of Agreement (LOAs); drafting and finalizing operational correspondence; reviewing operational processes for improvements; preparing budget revisions and tracking project actions; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of three years of relevant experience in operational support, including financial record keeping, budget monitoring, and project documentation, is required. Candidates should also demonstrate a working knowledge of English and Ukrainian at a Level C or native proficiency. Being a national of Ukraine is a prerequisite for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Management, Finance, or Economics. An advanced-level degree will be considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in operational support roles. This experience should encompass financial record keeping, budget monitoring, project documentation, and related office and project administration functions. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to work effectively in operational environments, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Ukrainian is mandatory, with a requirement for Level C or native proficiency in both languages. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kyiv and is in-office. FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.