Operations and Programme Management Specialists

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 achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work encompasses a wide range of areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, with a focus on sustainable practices and policies that promote food security and nutrition.

Job Overview:
The Operations and Programme Management Specialists roster call is designed to support the Forestry Division (NFO) of FAO by enhancing operational, financial, and programme management functions across a diverse portfolio of projects and programmes. The NFO Division is dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management, forest restoration, climate resilience, and inclusive livelihoods, aligning with FAO’s Strategic Framework. This roster call aims to provide pre-screened specialists at various levels of experience, from junior to senior specialists, who can be engaged for short-term assignments that may last up to 11 months per year. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to work in different functional areas such as operations, finance, and programme management, depending on their expertise and the needs of the organization. The role requires flexibility and adaptability, as assignments may be based at FAO headquarters in Rome, home-based, or involve travel to various locations as required by the specific projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Operations and Programme Management Specialists will vary based on the specific assignment and functional area selected by the candidate. Key responsibilities include:

• Operations: Providing operational support in the preparation, processing, and management of various contractual instruments, ensuring compliance with FAO operational policies, and maintaining accurate records and operational databases.
• Finance, including Budgeting: Supporting the preparation and monitoring of project budgets, maintaining financial mapping, and assisting in reviewing financial reports to ensure compliance with FAO and donor requirements.
• Programme Management, including Project Management and Resource Mobilization: Supporting project formulation, planning, implementation, and closure, monitoring progress, coordinating with partners, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts. The specialists will also assist in organizing technical events and workshops, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, International Development, International Relations, Forestry, or Environmental Studies. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates must have relevant experience that varies by category: at least 1 year for junior professionals (Category C), at least 5 years for mid-level professionals (Category B), and at least 10 years for senior professionals (Category A). Experience should preferably be within international organizations, NGOs, or development projects in operations, finance, or programme management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields pertinent to the work of the FAO. This includes disciplines such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, International Development, International Relations, Forestry, or Environmental Studies. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify for the position, emphasizing the importance of formal education in relation to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Operations and Programme Management Specialists varies by category. Junior professionals (Category C) need at least 1 year of relevant experience, mid-level professionals (Category B) require at least 5 years, and senior professionals (Category A) must have at least 10 years of experience. This experience should ideally be gained within international organizations, NGOs, or development projects, focusing on areas such as operations, finance, and programme management. The ability to demonstrate a track record of successful project management and operational support is essential for candidates at all levels.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for all candidates. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French and/or Spanish, is considered a strong asset and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the position. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in the multicultural and multidisciplinary environment of FAO.

Additional Notes:
The positions are designed for short-term assignments, which may last up to 11 months per year, providing flexibility and rapid deployment in response to operational needs. Candidates may be engaged for various functional areas, and they have the option to indicate their preferences. The roles may involve working from FAO headquarters in Rome, home-based arrangements, or travel depending on project requirements. The selection process will assess candidates based on their experience, ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines, and capacity to work effectively in a diverse environment.