Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), leads international efforts to alleviate hunger, eliminate poverty and achieve food and nutrition security for all. Ending hunger is about all people having access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. At present, FAO is supports food systems the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, Better environment and Better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is currently implementing a project titled “Strengthening Plant Health Services in Tanzania for Enhanced Food safety”. The project is executed under EU funded through support to the Ministry of Agriculture. This project aims at increase access to safe and quality agricultural produce for national and international markets

To ensure effective and timely delivery of projects activities, the FAO Representation in the United Republic of Tanzania now seeks to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced National Project Personnel – Operations to perform a wide range of routine administrative, financial and logistical functions in support of the projects and Representation Office.

The post is located in FAO Representation in Tanzania, with the incumbent also working with other units in an integrated and cross-sectoral approach.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative – Administration, and Ass. FAO Representative – Programme the incumbent will be required to demonstrate comprehensive operations and logistics expertise and professionalism to support the efficient functioning of the FAO Representation in accordance with the project objectives, FAO procedures and corporate strategic objectives.

Technical Focus

National Project Personnel – Operations will provide technical support to various project in area of administration, logistics and Programme/project management support.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Project Personnel – Operations will have the following roles:

• Acts as a focal point for all project/ Technical Unit(TU) operational matters, organizes and handles the day-to-day operational activities of the project to ensure smooth operational logistics and financial management  of project activities in consultation with supervisors on any issues which arise during the execution period;
• Prepare/Review all administrative and financial documents for submission  to the FAO Representative for approval, to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, correctness and compliance with the approved budget, FAO rules and regulations, as well as donor requirements;
• Reviews and monitors the project budget, prepares requests and revisions as required, maintains and monitors budget expenditures and resources, reviews project transaction listings with a view to identify errors in accounting against budget lines;
• Ensures the completeness and quality of data and documentation in the FAO corporate systems (e.g. GRMS, FPMIS), for all assigned operational field projects and activities;
• Organize travel logistics for the Technical Unit (TU);
• Ensures timely payments for suppliers, vendors and maintain records for documentation;
• Ensures the timely provision of project inputs (personnel, technical support services, sub-contracts, training, equipment and supplies) directly by the Organization or, when appropriate, through contractors in compliance with FAO procedures;
• Provide support in organizing events like workshop, meeting and training;
• Prepares analytical reports on project performance as required ;
• Draft Routine correspondences of project administrative and personnel related matters;
• Prepare/Review Contracts and Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and follow up on submission of reports from the Service Providers;
• Establish an inventory of project assets, and to ensure project assets are properly registered, insured, used, maintained and safeguarded;
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in procurement, business or public administration, finance, accounting, economics, finance, auditing or related fields
• At least Five (5) years of relevant work experience in administration support work including at least (3) years of experience in procurement, finance and administration in big development projects;
• Fluent English and Kiswahili.
• National of Tanzania.

FAO Core Competencies:

• Result focus,
• Team work,
• Communication,
• Building effective relationships,
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent typing speed and accuracy in dealing with spreadsheets, drafting correspondences and arithmetic.
• Ability to follow instructions and to work independently;
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use word processing, accounting, financial management and other office applications and equipment;
• Ability to plan, work and deliver within deadlines without compromising FAO’s rules and standards; and demonstrated ability to perform under minimal supervision. 
• Computer literate and proficient in using corporate software such as ERPs
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communications skills.
• Ability to gather, organize and analyse information.
• Capacity to interact professionally with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to organize workshops, meetings, travel and other project development logistical issues.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and willingness to work extended hours and respond to strict deadlines.
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge and working experience of UN is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION