IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device 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 person 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 Organizational SettingThe main aim of FAO Country Offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.FAO Lao PDR assists the Government in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture, and rural development.This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.Reporting LinesThe Operation Specialist reports to the FAO Representative to Lao PDR and Budget Holder (BH) at FAOLA and working in close collaboration with Assistant FAOR (Administration), FAO staff and RAP as well as national project counterpart.Technical FocusProgramme administration and operational, project financial management including accounting and personnel administration.Tasks and responsibilities• Act as focal point for all project operational matters, organize and facilitate day-to-day operational activities of the field programme (including emergency, rehabilitation, and development projects, (all national and regional and global projects) and take action, under guidance from the FAOR, on problems which arise during the execution period.• Coordinate and facilitate operational aspects of the country projects in Lao PDR as required under the FAOR's guidance with RAP operations support, and in liaison with technical, operational, and administrative staff.• Coordinate relevant project stakeholders and facilitate selection of suitable project implementation modality (DEX vs OPIM) and support their project implementation as and when required by the supervisor.• Ensure 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 by liaising with other support units.• Organize and facilitate day-to-day operational activities of related executed emergency, rehabilitation, and development projects as assigned by the FAOR.• Support funding liaison office and/or budget holder and coordinate with resource partners to smooth funding transfer, budget revisions and reporting requirements.• Provide regular FPSN review on project delivery status and seek operational support from RAP and take necessary management actions on resolving pending issues which arise during the execution period to ensure all projects under FAOLA responsibility are up to date.• Coordinate and facilitate periodic pipeline reviews with RAP in close collaboration with AFAOR (P) • Participate in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints or risks.• Review and monitor project budget and prepare requests and revisions as required; maintain and alert about budget expenditures and resources; reviews project transaction listings with a view to identifying errors in accounting against budget lines.• Ensure the complete, up-to-date, and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (GRMS, FPMIS, etc) for all operational field projects/activities under the responsibility of FAOLA.• Coordinate action concerning the completion of field project and arranges for timely and adequate reporting and terminal report, including identification of project follow- up requirements.• Provide necessary support and operational inputs, as requested, in formulating both development, technical cooperation and emergency project proposals to be submitted to regional office / potential donor agencies for financial support according to FAO's procedures in coordination with relevant technical officers.• Facilitate and Coordinate with AFAOR (P) on reporting to UN RCO and other UN agencies on FAO reporting and inputs.• Contribute to the preparation of country briefs and comprehensive reports.• Organize and attend briefing and debriefing for missions.• Support FAOR in budget and inputs management.• Oversee the project progress of assigned projects.• Carry out any other related tasks as assigned.CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements • University degree in Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management, or a relevant field.• At least 5 years of relevant experience in general project/office administrative, operation activities related to procurement, office management and financial support.• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limit knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese and Russian.FAO Core Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills • Good commence of computer skill such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point) or a relevant application.• Knowledge of Operation and accounting, finance, and management.• Knowledge of the administrative policies and procedures of the United Nations and International Organization.• Proven capacity to conduct fieldwork and ability to work in teams and establish working relationships central and local government institutions and civil society organization.• Prior experience with the UN and/or international organizations is an asset.Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list 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 For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
