Regional Operations Specialist

The Animal Health and Production programme leads FAO’s work in strengthening national and regional capacities for the prevention, detection and control of animal diseases, improving animal production systems, and addressing complex health challenges through the One Health approach. The programme provides technical and operational leadership on animal health surveillance, transboundary animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonoses, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness and response, contributing to food security, livelihoods, public health and sustainable agri-food systems. It works in close collaboration with Member Countries, regional institutions, development partners and other FAO technical divisions, building on functions traditionally delivered under the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD).

Within this context, the Animal Health and One Health team supports the design and implementation of regional and country-level programmes and projects, including under the Animal Production, Surveillance and One Health (APSOH).

The Regional Operations Specialist reports to the ECTAD Regional Manager for East Africa. He/she will work in close collaboration with the Programme, Administration, Procurement, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Communication teams, and in consultation with the relevant technical units at the Animal Health Unit (SFE), the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and headquarters.

Technical Focus

Operational support function of the field programme including emergency, rehabilitation and development projects, regional/global projects.

• Coordinate budgetary management and monitoring expenditures for programmes and projects under the technical leadership of the Senior Animal Health Coordinator - RAF
  
• Ensure adequate programme and operational support is provided to the implementation of Animal Health and One Health programmes and projects in implementing countries as required.  
  
• Participate in the preparation of project work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. 
  
• Handle day-to-day programme and operational aspects of projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle from initiation phase to operational and financial closure.  
  
• Contribute/Assist to the formulation of project proposals according to FAO's procedures and prepare project documents for technical clearance and final approval under different funding arrangements. 
  
• Maintain and update information systems and databases, as applicable. 
  
• Assist the Regional Manager, in liaison with technical officers, in operating thematic activities linked to the overall Animal Production System and One Health (APSOH) programme including facilitating and participating in the planning exercises for thematic activities.  
  
• Ensure timely procurement of services and materials required for implementation of programmes and projects.  
  
• Monitor the implementation of efficient financial flow mechanisms and in ensuring timely availability of resources for the smooth implementation of project activities, including preparation and submission of Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs) and initiation of timely action for FBA revisions and amendments.  
  
• Oversee work plan and budget delivery monitoring  
  
• Maintain coordination and communication with respective Country, Regional and HQ Administrative Units for timely programme implementation. 
  
• Assist in coordinating timely preparation of programme progress reports. 
  
• Contribute to the preparation of Regional Team meetings. 
  
• Organize all official international travels for staff and non-staff. 
  
• Support resources mobilization efforts  
  
• Perform other functions as required

• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in public or business administration, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences or other related fields. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
  
• At least five years of relevant experience in operations
  
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

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

• Operational and administrative coordination skills
  
• Financial and budget management skills
  

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

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
  
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
  
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed]. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed]. 

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• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
  
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
  
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
  
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
  
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
  
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]