National Operations Specialist
Organizational Context
The FAO Representation in Georgia, based in Tbilisi, supports governments in developing policies and projects for food security, sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The country office portfolio focuses on transforming Georgia’s agrifood systems, funded by various international partners. The Operations Unit ensures effective project input delivery, accurate financial execution, and compliance with FAO rules, providing essential support to project teams and stakeholders.
Job Purpose
This role provides comprehensive support to the entire project cycle management for FAO's portfolio in Georgia. It encompasses planning, formulation, implementation monitoring, budget and financial oversight, reporting, and project closure. A key function is to facilitate seamless operational linkages between programme, administrative, and project teams, ensuring efficient and compliant project execution. The position contributes to the effective delivery of FAO's mandate within the country by managing operational aspects of projects.
Responsibilities
Provide daily operational support to project teams across all project cycle phases, from formulation (documentation, budgets, procurement, HR plans) to financial closure. Monitor and review project budgets, financial delivery, commitments, and forecasts against work plans, identifying and proposing solutions for budget issues and operational gaps. Maintain an up-to-date overview of the Country Office portfolio and pipeline, ensuring accurate project data and documentation in FAO's FPMIS. Support the preparation of budgets and budget revisions, ensuring compliance with financial rules and partner agreements. Regularly review financial transactions for correctness and take remedial actions. Assist in preparing and monitoring annual work plans, tracking milestones, and addressing operational constraints. Support project completion and closure activities, including asset management. Contribute to integrating risk management and quality assurance into operations. Compile inputs for resource partner reports and support internal control and audit processes.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience in programme/project management, operations, finance, or coordination is necessary. Experience in supporting programme or project planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and budget management is crucial. Working with multidisciplinary teams in an international environment is also required.
Skills
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities are essential. Proficiency in standard office software applications is required. Experience in preparing project documents, reports, and briefs is important. Good communication and coordination skills are necessary for effective collaboration. Experience with the UN system or international organizations is an asset, as is knowledge of FAO project cycle management procedures. Working knowledge of Russian is desirable.