Junior Operations Consultant

Organizational Context

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, focuses on promoting responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems. It supports Members through normative instruments and collaborations with regional fishery bodies. The division implements the FISH4ACP project, aiming to improve sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in ACP countries, and the NAVAC project, promoting sustainable healthy diets through aquatic food value chains. The position can be home-based or located at FAO headquarters.

Job Purpose

The Junior Operations Consultant will provide essential support to the operational, administrative, and financial implementation of the FISH4ACP and NAVAC projects. This role involves assisting with project activities, ensuring compliance with FAO rules and procedures, and facilitating smooth day-to-day operations. The consultant will contribute to budget monitoring, reporting, and the organization of project-related events and meetings, playing a key role in the effective delivery of project objectives and supporting multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Responsibilities

Assist in the operational implementation of FISH4ACP and NAVAC project activities, including processing Letters of Agreement (LoAs), MS502 contracts, and Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs), ensuring compliance with FAO rules. Support day-to-day operational follow-up with project recipient countries. Provide administrative support for missions, workshops, training sessions, and meetings. Contribute to budget monitoring, including financial tracking, reviewing transactions, preparing financial reports, and supporting budget revisions. Support the preparation of project progress reports, briefing notes, and documentation for Project Steering Committee Meetings. Assist in maintaining monitoring tools, such as the Human Resources Tracking Tool. Participate in project meetings, taking notes and supporting follow-up actions. Support the organization of value chain stakeholders workshops. Assist in preparing for Project Steering Committee meetings with external donors.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in project or programme management, project operations, project cycle management, or finance is required. Experience with FAO or other UN agencies is considered an asset.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. The ability to plan and organize work, deliver results, and meet deadlines is crucial. Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary, with proven experience in translating complex data into clear visuals using PowerPoint being a strong asset. Experience in database management and in the Africa and Near-east region is considered beneficial.

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