Operations Specialist

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Sub-regional Office for the Pacific (SAP) supports 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs): Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

FAO SAP is responsible for developing, promoting and implementing strategies to address subregional priorities in agriculture, fisheries, food security, nutrition and rural development. The office operates under the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands (SRC), the incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (Head of Programme and Operations), in close collaboration with Lead Technical Officers (LTOs), project teams, and administrative unit within SAP.

Technical Focus

The Operations Specialist will provide advanced operational, financial and administrative support to the SAP project portfolio, ensuring effective implementation, compliance with FAO rules and procedures, and timely delivery of programme outputs. The role requires strong knowledge of FAO systems, project cycle management, procurement processes, and financial monitoring, as well as the ability to coordinate complex, multi-country programmes.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as focal point for project operational matters across the SAP region and manage day-to-day implementation activities.
• Monitor project workplans, budgets, procurement plans and milestones; identify risks and propose corrective actions.
• Support preparation and implementation of project workplans and ensure alignment with FAO strategic objectives.
• Prepare and coordinate project task force meetings and provide organizational support.
• Monitor project budgets, expenditures and resource utilization; prepare budget revisions and financial reports.
• Review project transactions and ensure accurate allocation against budget lines.
• Maintain up-to-date financial records and support project closures.
• Support preparation for procurement processes such as Invitation To Bid (ITB), Request For Quotation (RFQ), Request For Proposal (RFP), and Letter of Agreement (LoA) and Service Contracts under Manual Section 502 in coordination with technical teams.
• Participate in Local Procurement Committees as requested.
• Ensure timely provision of project inputs (personnel, services, equipment, training, etc.).
• Ensure quality and completeness of project data in FAO corporate systems (GRMS, FPMIS, IMIS).
• Prepare analytical and implementation reports for internal and donor reporting.
• Monitor project indicators and proactively address implementation bottlenecks.
• Liaise with government counterparts and support coordination of project activities in the SAP region.
• Support identification and development of new project opportunities, including TCP and donor-funded projects.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts and donor engagement.
• Provide operational guidance and training to project staff and national counterparts as requested.
• Support recruitment processes for project personnel and consultants.
• Conduct operational support missions to country offices as required.
• Perform other related duties in line with the assignment Terms of Reference as required.

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, project management, finance, economics or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in project/programme management, operations, or financial management
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in project cycle management and multi-country programme coordination within FAO framework
• Strong knowledge of procurement processes and financial management
• Experience working with international organizations and/or development projects

Selection Criteria

• Relevance and depth of professional experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operational processes
• Experience in the Pacific region or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) context is an advantage
• Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills
• Familiarity with FAO systems (GRMS, FPMIS, IMIS) is an asset
• Experience with GEF and/or GCF projects, including PPG and implementation phases (e.g. OPIM/OPAS), and demonstrated involvement in FAO-funded projects (TCP, Trust Funds) and other donor-funded programmes