Field Support Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist Governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The FAO Representation in South Sudan is organized around three main units: Programme, Operations and Administration. The current portfolio of projects in South Sudan includes activities related to Agriculture(crop), Livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource Management, Food information Systems and is implemented with humanitarian, transitional and development funding. The incumbent will contribute to the country's Programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Technical Focus

The Field Support Specialist plays a key role in the operational support of Bentiu Field Office. The incumbent will be responsible for the overall facilitation and support of the Field Office, facilitation of FAO’s activities and its representation in Bentiu as well as programme/project management. The Field Support Specialist will be based in Bentiu with travel to field locations as required. Specifically, the incumbent will:

Reporting Lines

The Field Support Specialist works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for South Sudan and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer. The Field Support Specialist will collaborate with the Programme, Operations and Administrative/Finance Units and work closely with the state Government, sister UN organizations, Non-Governmental Organization and beneficiaries’ communities.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Support the day-to-day field level activities in close consultation and cooperation with FAO’s program unit and the relevant support units while providing continuous support to implementing partners. 
•     Liaise with heads of sections at Juba office and Project Managers (PMs), to provide operational support for FAO programme in Bentiu.
•     Ensure health, safety and security protocols are always followed, and in consultation with the FAO Security Officer, UNDSS and or other ASMT members take timely corrective actions as required.
•     Provide support with all aspects of supply chain, including low-cost procurement, stock management, asset management, vehicle and equipment renewal, maintenance and repair (including communications and computer equipment).
•     Under the auspices of the Finance Officer and budget holder, ensure proper utilization of funds at the field office including management of petty cash and operation advances.
•     Ensure compliance with FAO, donor finance and logistics policies, including all aspects of low-cost procurement and asset management. 
•     Facilitate communication between field locations and Juba office on daily operational and programmatic activities.
•     Support field personnel in the implementation of personnel policies including coaching, performance evaluation, staff development.
•     Establish, and maintain effective working relations with key stakeholders at the state level including sister UN agencies, programs and funds, government institutions, traditional leadership, beneficiary populations and their representatives. 
•     Foster program collaboration with relevant development partners.
•     Support preparation and implementation of events and donor visits.
•     Facilitate Food Security and Livelihood Cluster activities in Bentiu State.
•     Map all FAO interventions in Bentiu state and ensure synergy and complementarity in implementation of the programs/projects for increased impact. 
•     Provide programmatic and technical support to enhance effective project delivery in compliance with both FAO’s rules/regulations and the donor standards as defined in the respective project documents.
•     Conduct regular field visits for ongoing project activities and develop knowledge products.
•     Monitor progress of project implementation in relation to annual work plan (timeliness, achievement of project objectives and impact), and implement corrective measures when needed in consultation with the Project Managers.
•     Ensure that FAO interventions within area of operation take into account gender aspects especially those related to women and youths, conflict sensitivity and Accountability to Affected Population (AAP).
•     Prepare ad hoc and bi-annual/ yearly plans and reports/updates and update the Project Managers and technical team in a timely manner.
•     Review and comment on technical documents as required.
•     Organize briefing and debriefing meetings for donor’s missions.
•     Conduct emergency needs assessments in response to any humanitarian crises in Bentiu state.
•     Support the Emergency Response Team with developing programs and proposals for rapid and timely support of populations affected by conflict and disasters in Bentiu State.
•     Review and clears field report for all letter of agreements in Bentiu State.
•     Provide structured information on the gaps and needs in Bentiu State.
•     Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, development studies, communications. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     At least three years (3) of relevant experience in project management of complex projects on livelihood diversification, food security preferably in fragile or conflict affected states. 
•     Working knowledge of English; limited knowledge of Arabic is an added advantage.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•     Ability to plan, organize, implement and reports on work.
•     Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and operation activities is an advantage
•      Experience with emergencies and development initiatives in the Horn of Africa preferably in South Sudan
•     Demonstrated experience in the implementation of activities in collaboration with public and private sectors
•      Experience in providing technical assistance to development strategies, policy and national governments and regional bodies
•     Experience in project formulation, operation, implementation, budget execution and monitoring
•     Committed to building and coaching teams and partners to deliver programmes in a complex and challenging context.
•     Experience in Office and Administration Management.
•     Demonstrated experience in dealing with senior government officials, development partners and other country stakeholders.
•     Experience in community-based development and participatory approaches and in particular with grassroots associations and farmers group