Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations. The FAO mission is to work toward the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone as stated in the 2030 Agenda. The FAO’s Strategic Framework aspires to transform agri-food systems so that they are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The ultimate goals of these efforts include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while leaving no one behind.

FAO is technically and operationally supporting the Government of Republic of Marchall Island (RMI) through the GEF funded project “Sustainable food systems and integrated land/seascape management in the Marshall Islands”, with the objective to transform food systems and land/seascape management in the Marshall Islands to deliver integrated global environmental benefits and health benefits. This project is implemented on 6 atolls: Majuro, Kwajalein, Arrno, Wotje, Jaluit, Ailinglaplap, selected based on population sizes and density, land areas, level of urbanization. The project is expected to integrate food system management into strategy and planning in the RMI; capacity building for spatial planning and decision making to support integrate environmental and agri-food system management; provide feasible and attractive options for resource management and restoration for food production to contribute to land degradation neutrality, ecosystem services; promote value chain/market conditions for sustainably produced nutritious food and upscale/outscale the learnings/best practices in other atoll states and in other small island developing states.

Reporting Lines

The Administration Finance Specialist (AFS) will work under the overall guidance of the National Project Director, in consultation with the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific, and working closely with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), National Project Coordinator (NPC), Operations and Administration staff in SAP and relevant Ministries to provide administrative and operational support to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project for timely delivery of its outcomes and outputs.

Technical Focus

The AFS will work under the overall guidance of the National Project Director, in close consultation with the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific, and working closely with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), National Project Coordinator (NPC), Operations and Administration staff in SAP and relevant Ministries to provide administrative and operational support to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project for timely delivery of its outcomes and outputs.

Tasks and responsibilities

The AFS will fulfil the following task.

Administrative management:

● Ensure smooth and timely implementation of project activities in support of the results-based work plan, through operational and administrative procedures according to RMI Government rules and standards and in line with FAO/GEF requirements;

● Coordinate the project operational arrangements through contractual agreements with key project partners;

● Arrange the operations needed for signing and executing Letters of Agreement (LoA) with relevant project partners;

● Support implementation of all project outputs, and in particular, contribute to the implementation of Outputs 1.1.3 (multi-sector working group), 1.2.2 (capacity development), 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 (demonstration models), 3.1.3 (value-chain trainings) and 4.1.1 (knowledge management) by supporting the organization of project activities.

● Collaborate with Ministry of Finance, MNRC Administration and Finance Division, and other government agencies, as required, in preparation of financial and administrative-related reports;

● Undertake day-to-day management of the project budget, including the monitoring of cash availability, budget preparation and budget revisions to be reviewed by the National Project Coordinator;

● Ensure that relevant reports on expenditures, forecasts, progress against work plans, project closure, are prepared and submitted in accordance with FAO and GEF defined procedures and reporting formats, schedules and communications channels, as required;

● Execute accurate and timely actions on all operational requirements for personnel-related matters, equipment and material procurement, and field disbursements;

● Participate and represent the project in collaborative meetings with project partners and the Project Steering Committee, as required;

● Ensure any issues affecting project delivery and success are brought to the attention of the National Project Director and National Project Coordinator in a timely manner,

● Support the NPC and the Technical Advisor to synthesise and analyse the capacity assessment CA findings, to identify opportunities and training needs of the MNRC and MoF on finance and administrative management

Finance management:

• Monitor budgets, and carry out forecasting for new and ongoing activities according to established FAO procedures and requirements

• Review the financial report submitted by the OP and recommend for releasing the instalment request

• Review annual, six monthly and quarterly financial reports received from the operational partners and submit to concerned focal points of the project

• Carry out project budget revisions in line with the approved total project budget and actual expenditures within the stipulated time frame

• Assist to provide orientation to the stakeholders, collaborating partners and other concerned on the financial management system of the project

• Report on key data for financial status and outcomes of project activities in accordance with corporate governance requirements, ensuring accuracy, deadlines, and accounting processes

• Perform other project related tasks as assigned by the FAO

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related fields

• Five years of relevant experience in planning, project implementation, and management/administration of development programmes including the preparation, and monitoring of development projects and operations procedure

• Working knowledge of English is required

• National of the country.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION