International Operations Specialist

The International Operations Specialist will provide operational support to assigned projects and programme activities in the FAO Fiji Office and across the Pacific Islands. The role involves operational planning, implementation support, budget monitoring, procurement and human resources coordination, project monitoring and reporting, risk management, and liaison with government and implementing partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the operational focal point for assigned project activities, coordinate day-to-day implementation and promptly escalate operational constraints and risks with proposed solutions
• Support the preparation, review and regular updating of project work plans, operational plans, procurement plans, staffing plans and delivery forecasts, ensuring alignment with approved project documents, budgets and implementation timelines
• Monitor project implementation, milestones, indicators, delivery, commitments and expenditures; identify slippage, bottlenecks and emerging management issues; and recommend timely corrective action
• Review project budgets and transaction listings, identify incorrect or irregular charges, support budget revisions and funding reallocations, and contribute to the orderly financial closure of projects
• Coordinate the timely provision of project inputs, including personnel, technical support services, travel, Letters of Agreement, contracts, training, equipment and supplies, in liaison with responsible FAO units and project teams
• Support recruitment and onboarding processes for project personnel and consultants in close consultation with the Programme Officer, Lead Technical Officers and project managers, and provide ongoing operational guidance to personnel engaged under assigned projects
• Prepare or coordinate operational documentation for procurement actions, including Invitations to Bid, Requests for Quotation, Requests for Proposal and Letters of Agreement, in collaboration with technical teams and in accordance with FAO rules and procedures
• Participate in local procurement and review committees, as required, and follow up on procurement actions to support timely delivery of project inputs
• Review operational processes and practices in the Fiji office and, where requested, other SAP country or project offices; recommend practical improvements consistent with FAO policies, internal controls and operational procedures
• Prepare and coordinate Project Task Force, steering committee and other project governance meetings; compile supporting documentation; provide secretariat support; and monitor follow-up actions
• Support the timely preparation and submission of project implementation reports, narrative and financial reports, donor reports and other required documentation, securing inputs from technical officers, project personnel and partners
• Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date project information and supporting documentation in FAO corporate systems and monitoring tools, including FPMIS and relevant financial, administrative and reporting systems
• Prepare analytical updates and portfolio reports on implementation progress, delivery, budget performance, risks, management issues and required decisions for management review
• Liaise with government counterparts, implementing partners and other stakeholders on operational matters, including the review and countersignature of project documents, activity planning and resolution of implementation bottlenecks
• Facilitate the timely processing of eligible payments, salaries, travel claims and daily subsistence allowance reimbursements, ensuring that supporting documentation is complete and compliant with FAO requirements
• Provide operational guidance, coaching and training to project and country-office personnel on FAO project-cycle requirements, budget management, procurement, human resources processes, donor conditions, documentation and monitoring
• Undertake operational support missions to Fiji project sites and, when authorized, other SAP countries to review implementation, strengthen local capacity and help resolve operational bottlenecks
• Perform other related duties as required

Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Business Administration, Public Administration, Project Management, Finance, Economics or a related field
• Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in project/programme management, operations, or financial management
• Knowledge of FAO rules, procedures and systems would be an asset
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

Skills

• Project Management
• Programme Management
• Operations Management
• Finance Management
• Budget Monitoring
• Procurement
• Human Resources Coordination
• Project Monitoring
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Liaison
• FAO Rules and Procedures
• Operational Planning

Languages

English