Operation Specialist

The Project Operations Specialist will support and coordinate the operational support function of the project GCF/MAR/11254/GFF, including providing operational support to Mauritius projects portfolio. The incumbent will contribute to the planning, implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of project operations, in compliance with FAO rules and procedures and the requirements of the funding partner.

Responsibilities

• Act as a focal point for project GCP/MAR/11254 operational matters, and coordinate the day-to-day operational, administrative, procurement and logistical aspects of project’s implementation in Mauritius
• Support the tracking, documentation and reporting of GEF grant financing and co-financing commitments and their utilization in accordance with approved project arrangements
• Support the preparation, consolidation and regular updating of the project’s annual workplans, procurement plans, operational schedules and budgets
• Monitor the implementation of project activities against approved workplans, budgets, timelines, outputs
• Track project expenditures, commitments and budget availability, identify variances and support the preparation of budget revisions and financial forecasts
• Facilitate the timely mobilization of project inputs, including personnel, consultants, implementing partners, equipment, supplies, services and travel arrangements
• Support procurement, recruitment, contracting and partnership processes in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and applicable funding-partner requirements
• Prepare and follow up on Letters of Agreement, contracts, purchase orders and other operational instruments required for project implementation
• Support the organization of consultations, training sessions, workshops, field missions, steering committee meetings and other project events
• Contribute to the preparation of project progress reports, financial reports, briefing notes, meeting documents and other materials required by FAO, the Government and the funding partner
• Identify operational bottlenecks, implementation delays and delivery risks, and propose appropriate corrective and mitigation measures
• Monitor compliance with FAO policies and procedures, including environmental and social safeguards, gender mainstreaming, accountability and risk-management requirements
• Assist in monitoring the performance of consultants, service providers and implementing partners, including the timely submission and quality review of agreed deliverables
• Support evaluation, audit and supervision missions, and follow up on agreed recommendations and action points
• Perform any other related duties required to ensure the timely, efficient and results-oriented implementation of the project

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field related to the FAO mandate
• Five years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish)
• National of Mauritius or resident of the country with a valid work permit
• Experience in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex multistakeholder projects
• Extent of experience in formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects
• Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with United Nations (UN) agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset

Skills

• Project Management
• Operations Support
• Project Planning
• Project Implementation
• Project Monitoring
• Project Reporting
• Programme Formulation
• Project Formulation
• Multi-stakeholder Project Implementation
• Operational Coordination
• UN Administrative Procedures
• UN Finance Procedures
• FAO Policies Knowledge
• Quality Assurance
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Public Administration
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Accounting
• Economics
• Social Sciences

Languages

English