National Operations Specialist (SURAGGWA Project)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) country offices, led by an FAO representative, aim to assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. FAO supports three priority areas: increasing production and productivity, fostering agriculture-based economic growth, and enhancing livelihood resilience. In Nigeria, FAO's current portfolio covers agriculture, livestock, fisheries, natural resource management, and food security information systems. The incumbent will contribute to the country's program and portfolio through technical support on assigned projects.

Job Purpose

The National Operations Specialist will provide essential operational and coordination support for the implementation of the SURAGGWA project in Nigeria. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective planning, execution, and monitoring of all project activities. The specialist will utilize their in-depth knowledge of local institutions, administrative processes, stakeholder dynamics, cultural contexts, and languages to foster collaboration among government counterparts, communities, and implementing partners. A key responsibility will be to ensure strict adherence to FAO's operational procedures and the timely delivery of all project outputs, contributing to the project's overall success and impact.

Responsibilities

The National Operations Specialist will liaise with and assist government authorities, as well as local, national, and international institutions, in areas relevant to FAO's activities in Nigeria, including collaboration with other UN agencies. The role involves promoting FAO's image through advocacy of its mandate, programs, national priorities, and activities, which includes developing and maintaining communication tools and supporting the implementation of FAO's regulatory framework. Responsibilities include coordinating the collection, consolidation, and maintenance of country data on food, agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, and monitoring national policy changes affecting the agricultural sector. The specialist will participate in producing studies, developing country-level frameworks like the CPF and UNSDCF, and contributing to the identification, formulation, and preparation of program and project proposals. They will monitor project implementation, identify inconsistencies, and propose corrective actions. Additionally, the role involves briefing, training, and supervising junior staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and work requirements. Specific duties include monitoring project activities against FAO country program budgets and UN standards, aiding strategic planning for the SURAGGWA project, retrieving and analyzing data, and handling day-to-day operational activities. This includes supporting all aspects of project cycle management, monitoring budgets, processing payments and reimbursements, assisting with Letter of Agreements, participating in country missions, and providing technical assistance. The specialist will also map policy gaps in fisheries and aquaculture, prepare technical content for various communication materials, and develop/update tools for strategy implementation. Other relevant duties as requested by FAO will also be undertaken.

Work Experience

Requires three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation within FAO's areas of activity in Nigeria. Experience in more than one location or work area, particularly in field positions, is beneficial. Demonstrated understanding of program/project development and management, UN or FAO operational guidelines, and policy analysis related to food security, agriculture, and rural development is expected. Experience in collecting country data and preparing project proposals is also valuable.

Skills

Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Functional skills involve experience in diverse work locations, particularly field positions. Extent and relevance of experience in program/project development and management is crucial. A demonstrated understanding of FAO's technical programs, operational guidelines, and project management procedures is required. Experience in policy analysis for food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development, as well as experience in collecting country data and preparing project proposals, are highly valued.

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