Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31 by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri- food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind.

The FAO Representation in Ghana is the body in charge of ensuring liaison between FAO and the Government of Ghana and is the first port of call for analysing and appraising government assistance requests; identifying, formulating, implementing and monitoring all FAO programmes and projects; managing all phases of the project cycle for national projects for which operational and budget holder responsibilities have been assigned by the Technical Cooperation Department; identifying opportunities for collaboration, and mobilizing technical and operational support from the Regional Office, Headquarters and other funding sources as appropriate.

The Government of Ghana and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations with funding support of the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of Canada is implementing a programme to improve the food security and livelihoods of vulnerable population in Ghana. The programme is being implemented to increase fish, crop, livestock production, through including improved aquaculture practices, sustainable crop and livestock practices and improved access to water for pastoralists, farmers, and fishers. In addition, the programme will focus especially on women and youth groups, and value chain actors who will be supported with capacity on climate change adaptation, community seed production, value addition, capacity and access to post-harvest technologies for better access to markets and financial services to pool resources, share knowledge, negotiate better price, while improving access to finance and markets. This will ensure women gain better control over resources, enhanced bargaining power, and actively participate in income generating activities contributing to inclusive and equitable growth along value chains. Finally, strengthened multi-hazard early warning systems combined with ecosystem management, social safety nets and anticipatory action will provide protection to at risk communities through an integrated risk management against shocks. The programme approach to sustainable food production, inclusive and equitable growth alone value chains, and disaster risk reduction will contribute to the resilience of agri-food systems in Ghana.

As a response to the current situation and foreseeable future food security crisis, The Government of Ghana and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations with funding support of the European Union (EU) is implementing EU Food Security Response in Northern Ghana (GCP/GHA/040/EC) project (2023-2026) targeting at least 10000 households. The project is being implemented over three agricultural seasons to increase crop and livestock production, including 6 000 maize farmers who will be supported to produce 18 000 Mt of maize over three years in targeted districts; 2 400 millet farmers who will be supported to produce 5,184 Mt of millet; and 4 200 sorghum farmers to produce 8 517 Mt of sorghum over the three years in the targeted districts.

Reporting Lines

The Operations Specialist will be working under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Representative to
Ghana, the technical supervision of the Technical Adviser, and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator and Technical Committee.

Technical Focus 

The Operations Specialist coordinates, monitors, and controls functions in support of FAO’s Operational services. He/she is expected to act as the primary escalation point for all technical issues raised within the project execution. He/she is further expected to contribute to timely and efficient project operations.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide operational management and programmatic support to the implementation of the project, including budgetary
management and expenditures monitoring.
•    Handle day-to-day operational aspects of projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle
from initiation phase to operational and financial closure.
•    Assist the Budget Holder in the overall management of the EU project, including budget allocations, budget revisions, etc.
•    Liaise between programme and procurement units to ensure timely delivery of assistance to beneficiaries, following project
workplans, budget availability and in accordance with relevant manual sections.
•    Coordinate the production and clearance of supporting documents (concept notes, project documents, financial and narrative
reports, visibility materials).
•    Ensure 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 and in liaison with other support units.
•    Ensure preparedness of the field office to scale up following emerging needs.
•    Support capacity development of operations unit at the field level, including by attending appropriate meetings and trainings
at national level.
•    Perform any other duties as may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or another field
related to the FAO mandate.
•    7 years of relevant experience in project management especially in the agricultural sector
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official
language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation
•    Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset
•    Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects
•    Extent of experience in formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects
•    Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency