Operational Partnership Specialist

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.

The Programme Support Division (PSS) coordinates FAO’s efforts towards fulfilment of its Strategic Objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via its projects and field programme. The Director, PSS, leads the Organization’s work in oversight and monitoring of projects; project cycle management; management of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); due diligence research and risk assessment review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support to new operational modalities.

The PSS New Operational Modalities Team (PSSN) facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of the FAO field programme through new working methodologies such as Cash Transfers, Vouchers and Grants to beneficiaries, as well as project delivery through in-country partners, via the Operational Partnership Implementation Modality (OPIM). The work of PSSN is strongly field-focused, seeking to provide policies, procedures, training and tools that increase the effectiveness of FAO offices implementing projects, in a broad variety of contexts.

The position is located in PSSN at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy

Reporting Lines

The Operational Partnership Specialist reports to the Programme Officer, PSSN under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, PSSN

Technical Focus

Operational modalities and procedures, policy setting, quality assurance, compliance and help desk support, capacity development and knowledge management, risk-based management, project management, inter-agency collaboration, with a focus on operational/ implementing partnerships.

Tasks And Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, and in close collaboration with other organizational units involved in the delivery of projects with operational partners, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Conduct timely and accurate Quality Assurance for the assigned portfolio of projects using Operational Partners (OPIM/ MS701) throughout the Project Cycle, ensuring compliance with MS701.
• Provide accurate and timely monitoring and oversight for the assigned portfolio of projects using Operational Partners (OPIM/ MS701).
• Coordinate and liaise with relevant stakeholders across the Organization, including the Regional Operational Partnerships Specialists (ROPS) to provide substantive advice and guidance to Project Formulators (PF) and Budget Holders (BH), and Project Task Force (PTF) members on the design, development and implementation of projects and its agreements with Operational Partners (OPIM/ MS701).
• Contribute to, and lead as appropriate, the development and strengthening of operational partnership implementation capacity through the design and delivery of OPIM/MS701 training workshops, briefings, webinars, tools, guidance and other learning events and materials.
• Undertake missions to Country and Regional Offices where projects using MS701 are ongoing or under negotiation, to provide technical support on MS701-related matters as necessary.
• Contribute to the review and strengthening of MS701 policy and procedures, and lead as appropriate on the development of specific elements and instruments, with reference to existing UN HACT global guidance and standards.
• Perform additional tasks related to the programme activities as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in development studies, business or public administration, international relations, political science, law, public policy or another field relevant to the work of the Organisation.
• At least five years of relevant experience in international development projects and programmes.
• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

FAO Core 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.
• Knowledge of risk-based management and results-based management.
• Familiarity with FAO Project Cycle, administrative and operational management practices.
• Extent and relevance of experience in UN HACT policies and procedures.
• Extent and relevance of experience in institutional collaboration and partnership with governments, donors, non-profit sector and development agencies.
• Demonstrated drafting skills in English and working knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in formulating, applying and/or or conducting quality assurance processes for UN policies related to implementation of projects and programmes through partners.
• Technical knowledge of best practices in using Implementing/Operational Partnerships for design and delivery of projects/programmes.
• Knowledge of risk-based management approaches, plus practical experience in their use.
• Previous experience in design and delivery of capacity building programmes in an international context.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and support complex consultative processes involving internal and external stakeholders.

Call For Expressions Of Interest – Vacancy Announcement

Job Posting

05/Dec/2023

Closure Date

02/Jan/2024, 11:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit

PSS – Project Support

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition

Consultant

Grade Level

N/A

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration

11 months

Post Number

N/A

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