Latest jobs in Malawi

Operations Officer at FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

  • Full Time
  • Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Applications have closed
  • Salary: 000

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Job Description

2202999

Operations Officer

Job Posting: 07/Nov/2022
Closure Date: 29/Nov/2022, 12:59:00 AM
Organizational Unit: FAO Representation in Malawi (FRMLW)
Job Type: Staff position
Type of Requisition: Professional Project
Grade Level: P-3
Primary Location: Malawi-Lilongwe
Duration: Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extension
Post Number: 2005515
CCOG Code: 1A11
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting
Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Malawi. The FAO Representation in Malawi is developing and implementing field programmes and projects based on the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) in Malawi. The four priorities of the CPF are:
(1) Conducive agricultural policy and investment environment.
(2) Food and nutrition security and livelihoods.
(3) Governance of the environment, natural resources and ecosystems.
(4) Resilience to climate change and climate variations.

Reporting Lines
The Operations Officer reports to the Senior Projects Officer.

Technical Focus
Lead and coordinate the operational support function of the field programme including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects.

Key Results
The provision of operation support services.

Key Functions
• Acts as a focal point for all project operational matters, organizes and handles the day-to-day operational activities of the field programme (including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, in national, regional and global projects) and takes action in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period.
• Prepares project task force meetings and provides secretariat support.
• Ensures the timely provision of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, sub-contracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors and in liaison with other support units.
• Participates in the preparation of project work plans, monitors progress and identifies corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
• Reviews and monitors the project budget, prepares requests and revisions as required, maintains and monitors budget expenditures and resources, reviews project transaction listings with a view to identify errors in accounting against budget lines.
• Prepares and submits the Project Implementation Reports and any other reports required by the Organization;
• Ensures the completeness and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (e.g. GRMS, FPMIS), for all assigned operational field projects and activities.
• Prepares analytical reports on project performances as required.
• Coordinates action concerning the completion of field projects and arranges for timely and adequate reporting, including identification of project follow-up requirements.
• Contributes to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO’s procedures and prepares project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different funding arrangements.
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions
• Supervises the staff under the Operations Section and builds its capacity.
• Monitors FAO Malawi’s Regular Programme and Extra-budgetary projects budget and oversees budget preparation, funding allocation, budget revisions, field budget authorizations, staff planning, etc. and prepares regular financial report.
• Participates as an alternate chair/member of the Local Purchase Committee and provides advice on procurement-related procedures.
• Supports in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the Procurement plans; supervises the processing of the Purchase Requisitions.
• Acts as the Quality Assurance Officer for the Letters of Agreements (LoAs); maintains an update LoA tracker and supports the LoA Responsible Officer in Monitoring and timely closure of the LoAs.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following

Minimum 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 (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• 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 multi-stakeholder 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 UN agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners.
• Familiarity with UN administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

General Information

• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Conditions Of Servicea

competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct

Method of Application

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills;
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile;
• Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications;
• Incomplete applications will not be considered;
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.