National Operations Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization provides policy advice and support to countries, facilitates partnerships, and delivers technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability. FAO's work in the Philippines spans over four decades, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance sustainability in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, and to address challenges such as natural disasters and climate change.

Job Overview:
The National Operations Specialist will play a crucial role in the operational management of the FAO Philippines country office. This position involves monitoring project implementation, managing resources, and resolving operational issues. The specialist will coordinate administrative and logistical arrangements and liaise with various project stakeholders, including the Funding Liaison Officer and Lead Technical Officer. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure the effective execution of projects, adherence to budgets, and timely delivery of outputs. The National Operations Specialist will also be responsible for preparing analytical reports on project performance and supporting project evaluations and monitoring activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Operations Specialist will perform a variety of tasks, including acting as the focal point for all project operational and financial matters, organizing daily operational activities, and consulting with the FAO Representative on arising issues. The specialist will monitor project work plans, budgets, procurement, and recruitment plans to ensure optimal resource utilization. They will ensure timely provision of project inputs, participate in project work plan preparation, and monitor progress while identifying corrective measures for operational and financial constraints. The role also includes reviewing project budgets, preparing Field Budget Authorizations, and maintaining budget expenditures. The specialist will monitor internal controls in finance, procurement, travel, and asset management, ensuring compliance with professional standards. Additionally, they will coordinate project mid-term evaluations, oversee recruitment of project staff, support project meetings, and prepare analytical reports on project performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in operations management, project management, strategic management, business administration, agribusiness management, or a related field. They should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in project management and strategic planning at national or international levels. Nationality as a citizen of the Philippines is required, along with a working knowledge of English at Level C.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as operations management, project management, strategic management, business administration, or agribusiness management is mandatory for this position. The FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in project management and strategic planning, which can be gained through work at national or international levels. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of operational management functions and the ability to navigate complex project environments.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and the FAO emphasizes the importance of adhering to its policies and processes throughout the project lifecycle.