Administrative Officer (SURAGGWA – Programme Coordination Unit/PCU)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is dedicated to supporting African Member States and regional integration institutions in achieving transformative results for agrifood systems. Established to align with the FAO Strategic Framework and the Four Betters—better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—the organization collaborates closely with various regional organizations, including the African Union (AU) and several Regional Economic Communities. FAO RAF aims to accelerate the transition towards resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart agrifood systems across Africa, ensuring that continental priorities such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and climate resilience translate into tangible outcomes at both national and regional levels. The organization is involved in high-level policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and multi-country coordination, working with partners to implement initiatives like the Scaling-Up Resilience in Africa's Great Green Wall (SURAGGWA) programme, which addresses climate change impacts in the Sahel region.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer for the SURAGGWA Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) will play a crucial role in providing administrative coordination, institutional support, and compliance management for a large-scale, multi-country programme funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This position is essential for ensuring orderly programme administration, effective coordination, and adherence to both FAO and donor administrative requirements. The officer will be responsible for the effective and efficient provision of administrative management support across various areas, including budget, finance, human resources, procurement, information technology, logistics, and security. The role requires close collaboration with relevant staff and consultants at targeted country offices, as well as with divisions at FAO headquarters, to ensure that the programme's objectives are met and that its implementation is aligned with the strategic goals of the FAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Officer will be tasked with a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating the preparation of the Programme and Budget in consultation with relevant technical officers; preparing and consolidating work plans and proposing strategic measures for successful implementation; preparing periodic budget reports and other regular and ad hoc reports; contributing to the development of results-based management concepts and policies; overseeing the maintenance of imprest accounts and budgetary reports; acting as Certifying Officer; training and supervising staff on administrative matters; establishing effective working relationships with government counterparts; overseeing operational and staffing requirements; assessing training needs; optimizing office management; and ensuring compliance with Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS). The officer will also be responsible for organizing and participating in meetings, workshops, and other events, as well as performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, management, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in administrative support, programme coordination, or institutional management is required, preferably within UN or international organizations. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial management, administration, and planning, as well as experience in organizing programme proposals and monitoring implementation. Proven experience in administrative coordination of multi-country or complex programmes is essential, along with strong organizational, coordination, and planning skills. Knowledge of UN/FAO administrative rules and procedures is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as business administration, public administration, management, or international relations. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of administrative processes and programme management within an international context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in administrative support, programme coordination, or institutional management. Experience within UN or international organizations is preferred, particularly in roles that involve financial management, administration, and planning. The ability to manage records, compliance, and governance documentation is also essential, along with experience in organizing and monitoring programme implementation.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in French would be considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse linguistic context of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Dakar, Senegal, and involves full-time engagement with responsibilities that may require occasional travel to other countries involved in the SURAGGWA programme. The role is integral to the successful implementation of the programme, which has a significant budget and aims to address critical issues related to climate change and agrifood systems in the Sahel region. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.