Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has a mandate to lead responses to country priorities for food security, agriculture, forestry and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of priority activities in the country. FAO’ supports governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

The FAO Sub-Regional office for West Africa (SFW) responsible for developing, promoting and implementing FAO agreed strategies to help countries and sub-regional organizations address food security, nutrition, agriculture and rural development priorities in West Africa. The Office has a multidisciplinary team of technical experts, in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, land and water, and pastoralism, who provide technical support to the 15 member countries of ECOWAS in their fight against poverty and the promotion of food and nutritional security; as well as to a wider 17 member countries of the Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) in strengthening the resilience of the Sahel countries.

There is growing international recognition that the agricultural sectors (including crops, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture and livestock) play a central role in responding to climate change, as these sectors are among the foremost priorities in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by African countries under the UNFCCC. In this regard, SFW Strategy has as one of its priority areas “Sustainable Management of the Environment and Natural Resources (SMENR)” that intends to support countries address issues related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, the preservation of biodiversity, and the collection, management and sharing on the environment and natural resources data in the sub-region. SFW is increasingly receiving requests from countries in West Africa for providing technical support in the development of concept notes and project proposals to key environmental donors (GFF and GEF and Adaptation Fund) as well as their implementation. As an accredited agency to the GEF, GCF and Adaptation Fund, FAO intends to expand its portfolio to assist countries in fulfilling their ambitions on climate action, notably, with UNFCCC, as well as the NDCs in the Paris Agreement.

The post is located in Dakar, Senegal.

Reporting Lines

The Programme and Operations Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Senior Policy Officer at SFW and the technical supervision of the SFW Operation Specialist at SFW, and in close collaboration the whole Operation team at SFW and at country level.

Technical Focus

The Programme and Operations Specialist will play a key role in the coordination and management of FAO SFW Field Programme, providing essential support to pipeline project programming and preparation, including FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) projects, UN Joint Programme (UNJP) projects, and regional initiatives. This role involves overseeing day-to-day project operations, ensuring timely execution in line with work plans, supervising support staff, and facilitating the development and submission of project documents for funding sources. The specialist will provide guidance on project cycle management (PCM), support M&E activities, monitor budgets and expenditures, and ensure compliance with donor requirements. Additionally, they will update the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) and contribute to final project evaluations.

Tasks and responsibilities

The specialist will provide support for the implementation of FAO’s agenda sub regional and country level. In direct consultation with the Sub-regional Operations Specialist, the key functions of the specialist will be as following:

•     Ensured the preparation, monitoring and updating of project budgets, budget revisions as well as general budget management and use of FAO of corporate tools. 
•     Ensure the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of project results. 
•     Maintain positive working relations with stakeholders, through the agreed office channels. 
•     Provide reports to and receive guidance from governance mechanisms.  
•     Identify, mitigate and manage potential risks, report and escalate issues when necessary.  
•     Ensure all deliverables are completed, project documentation is in order, evaluation is supported as needed, and preparations for project closure are set up.
•     Oversee project closure, assist country offices, and ensure spending aligns with FAO and donor rules.
•     Provide programme support in the implementation of projects and programmes including monitoring project delivery, project, housekeeping and taking required corrective measures.
•     Support coordination and tracking of activities related to funding (programme/project planning, implementation, progress
reporting etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
•     Support day-to-day operational activities in SFW, such as providing support in all aspects of project cycle management, i.e., project identification, formulation, appraisal and approval, implementation, and monitoring, reporting and closure,
•     Review regularly the financial statements and transaction listings of the SFW projects and assist in the preparation of accounting adjustments to for effective project delivery,
•     Monitor delivery and budget allocations, support the drafting of annual project work plans, related budgets and budget revisions/adjustments including Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs),
•     Maintain updated records of HR monitoring tables against the various SFW projects;this includes the list of consultants per project for effective HR monitoring and budgeting
•     Monitor and provide support to resource mobilization team as well as participate in formulation of project budgets
•     Ensure technical clearance is obtained from the relevant technical unit for all project proposals, project documents and technical specifications.
•     Ensure completeness and quality of data and documentation in FAO corporate systems (GRMS, FPMIS, etc.) for all projects/operational activities in the assigned field. Monitor project progress and performance, identify potential risks and propose mitigation measures, for example:
-Contribute to the formulation of project budget according to FAO procedures and prepare the project.
Any other duties that might be assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     At least one years of relevant experience in programme/project management and/or resource mobilization;
•     Working knowledge full proficiency of French

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Demonstrated experience in dealing with government officials, development partners and other country level stakeholders.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in leading, or participating in, multidisciplinary teams for the preparation of strategies and sector studies as well as formulation, implementation support or evaluation of food security, nutrition, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and climate change adaptation and/or mitigation investment operations.
•     Intermediate knowledge of English is considered an asset