Strategy and Planning Officer (Automation of Cost Recoveries)

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Position Title: Strategy and Planning Officer (Automation of Cost Recoveries)
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (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 employs thousands of staff members who work collaboratively to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, ensuring that its programs align with global sustainability goals.

Job Overview:
The Strategy and Planning Officer (Automation of Cost Recoveries) plays a crucial role within the Office of Strategy, Programme and Budget (OSP) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position is focused on the automation of cost recoveries, which is a key initiative aimed at enhancing corporate efficiency and achieving significant savings. The officer will be responsible for managing the business coordination of FAO's Direct Support Costs (DSC), Direct Operational Costs (DOC), and Improved Cost Recovery Uplift (ICRU) automation initiative. This involves leading discussions with various FAO divisions and preparing presentations related to the automation process. The successful candidate will explore opportunities to rationalize and simplify the algorithms used for calculating DSC, ensuring that the automation solutions are validated and accepted. Additionally, the officer will provide training to targeted audiences and coordinate operational and reporting support related to the automation solution. The position requires a proactive approach to analyzing the automation solution and performing other duties as necessary to support the initiative's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Strategy and Planning Officer include:

• Managing the business coordination of FAO's Direct Support Costs (DSC), Direct Operational Costs (DOC), and Improved Cost Recovery Uplift (ICRU) automation initiative for centrally provided financial services.
• Leading discussions with FAO Divisions, Offices, and Centres to prepare presentations on DSC, DOC, and ICRU automation using payroll functionalities.
• Exploring possibilities for further rationalizing and simplifying the algorithms for calculating DSC, involving relevant units in the process.
• Providing validation and acceptance of automation solutions, ensuring they meet organizational standards.
• Delivering relevant training to targeted audiences to facilitate the implementation of the automation solution.
• Coordinating operational and reporting support in relation to the automation solution, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Performing analyses associated with the automation solution to assess its effectiveness and efficiency.
• Carrying out other duties as required to support the overall objectives of the OSP and FAO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business or public administration, finance, economics, development economics, international development, or related fields. Additionally, they should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in planning, monitoring and evaluation, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, or business administration. A strong understanding of the principles and practices related to these areas is essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as business or public administration, finance, economics, development economics, or international development. This advanced degree is critical as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective performance in the role of Strategy and Planning Officer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in areas such as planning, monitoring and evaluation, financial analysis, or business administration. Candidates should have a proven track record of success in these fields, demonstrating their ability to manage complex projects and initiatives effectively. Experience in strategic planning, results-based programming, and budgeting is particularly valuable, as is familiarity with monitoring and reporting processes.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English, as well as intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by the cost recovery automation initiative led by OSP and is limited to the duration of that initiative. The extension or renewal of the position is subject to the availability of funds and does not carry any expectation of further extension, conversion, or renewal beyond the project term. The role is based in Rome, Italy, and is expected to be full-time, with a focus on achieving the objectives set forth by the FAO.