Project Administrative and Operational Specialist

Overview
Support project coordination and execution in financial management

You have:

University Degree in Economics, Business Administration, or related fields.
At least five years’ experience in project operation and management related to natural resources management, including field experience in developing countries.
Working knowledge (Level C) in English and Spanish or Portuguese. For PSA.SBS, working knowledge of English is required.

Organizational Setting

The project aims to strengthen public and private sector capacities in Brazil and Uruguay for joint and integrated water resource management (IWRM) in the Merín Lagoon Basin, with emphasis on the sustainable and efficient use of water, preservation of ecosystems and their services, and adaptation to climate change, through the development of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme. More info of the project can be downloaded from: https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/10550

To ensure project coordination and execution across the whole project area a Binational Project Coordination Unit will be set up. Such unit should ensure a rigorous and efficient implementation of annual work plan and budget, following Project Steering Committee and FAOs project task force guidance and decisions.

The project binational coordination unit main actors will be a binational coordinator, a monitor and evaluation and knowledge management specialist, a gender specialist, a communication specialist and the project administrative. This vacancy announcement is for the administrative and operational specialist.

The contract is from FAO RLC through the GCP/RLA/231/GEFF project the location will be in Montevideo Uruguay.

Reporting Lines

Project Administrative and Operational Specialist will work under the direct guidance and oversight of the Chief Technical Advisor (binational coordinator).

Technical Focus

Project Administrative and Operational Specialist performs a variety of routine functions related to work. He/she will support the binational coordination unit in the administrative and financial management of the project

Tasks and responsibilities

• Overseeing project implementation in operational and financial terms, in order to keep project efficiency and effectiveness with a results-based management approach to budget;

• Providing financial and operational support to the CTA-B, the Country Offices in FAO Uruguay and FAO Brazil, and advice to the BH RLC, with reference to this project;

• Ensuring compliance with all LOA provisions during implementation, including on timely reporting and financial management;

• Endorsing and managing requests for provision of financial resources using provided templates in LOA annexes, and submitting them for BH’s approval;

• Monitoring financial resources and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial reports;

• Ensuring timely preparation and submission of requests for funds, financial and progress reports to FAO as per LOA reporting requirements;

• Maintaining documentation and evidence that describes the proper and prudent use of project resources as per LOA provisions, including making available this supporting documentation to FAO and designated auditors when requested;

• Organizing the logistics of project workshops and meetings during project implementation;

• Prepare minutes of key project meetings and upload them to FPMIS;

• Preparing the draft Annual Budget and Work Plan for discussion with the FAO PTF and approval by the PSC.

• Preparing Project Progress Reports (PPRs) and annual reports on invested co-financing;

• Supporting the organization of the mid-term review (MTR) and terminal evaluation (TE) in close coordination with the FAO Budget Holder, FAO Uruguay and FAO Brazil, and the FAO Independent Office of Evaluation (OED).

• Informing the PSC, the LTO and FAO of any delays and difficulties as they arise during the implementation to ensure timely corrective measure and support.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Economics, Business Administration, or related fields.

• At least five years’ experience in project operation and management related to natural resources management, including field experience in developing countries.

• Working knowledge (Level C) in English and Spanish or Portuguese. For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English is required.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge of FAO’s project management systems

• Proven capacity to work and establish working relationships with government and non-government representatives.

• Capacity for teamwork.

• Computer skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in the administrative and financial management of the project