Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) coordinates regional efforts on sustainable natural resource management and climate action through programs such as the AFR100 Project (GCP/GLO/1208/GER) โAchieving AFR100 with forest and farm producersโ โ which aims to support AFR100 commitment implementation of countries by providing direct financial and technical support to local communities, including Indigenous Peoples, forest and farm producer organizations and micro, small and medium size enterprises, to scale up locally driven restoration action and to create related new or improved value-added businesses and income opportunities. The project will support selected countries to implement their AFR100 commitments. It will build on existing AFR100 Initiativeโs strategies and action plans and related platforms and use existing (FAO and of other partners) structures and mechanisms to fast-track implementation. ย
The Programme and Operations Specialist will provide essential operational and programme coordination support to the implementation of AFR100 Project, ensuring timely delivery of activities and strengthening coordination across country offices, technical teamsโ regional technical stakeholders and partners. S/he is also expected to provide high-quality operational and coordination support to the AFR100 Project Management Unit (PMU), as well as support to Programme Manager on the day-to-day project activities implementation.
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Reporting Lines
The Programme and Operations Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the AFR100 Project Manager and the overall technical guidance of the RAF Senior Forestry Officer, Lead Technical Officer (LTO) for the project. The position will involve close coordination with outcome leads, country teams, and RAF operational and field programme staff.
Technical Focus
Operational and programme management support for effective and timely delivery of a multi-country landscape restoration project. Focus on coordination, implementation tracking, contract management, compliance, knowledge sharing, and logistics support. The incumbent should be a self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, capable of working independently and efficiently in a fast-paced, multi-country programme environment.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager โ AFR100 and in close coordination with the Global Project Management Support Team and the RAF operational teams, the Programme and Operations Specialist will:ย
1. ย ย Programme Managementย
โข ย ย Support the onboarding, training, and knowledge transfer for new project staff and consultants, ensuring continuity of operational and financial processes;
โข ย ย Support internal coordination among outcome leads, ensuring timely information flow, alignment across workstreams, and preparation of key briefing materials for governance or steering meetings;
โข ย ย Assist the Project Manager in monitoring programme implementation and establishing tracking mechanisms to ensure timely delivery across the PMU, technical and country teams;
โข ย ย Coordinate day-to-day communication with country offices and outcome leads to ensure timely inputs, responses, and activity implementation;
โข ย ย Contribute to risk assessments and ensure mitigation measures are embedded in operational workflows, particularly around high-value contracts and grants;
โข ย ย Respond to queries regarding project progress, impacts, and lessons learned to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
2. ย ย Operationsย
โข ย ย Monitor and follow up on contractual processes including Letters of Agreement (LoAs), procurement actions, and service contracts with implementing partners and consultants;
โข ย ย Coordinate operational workflows including contract initiation, documentation, review, and tracking;
โข ย ย Liaise with RAF and headquarters units to ensure compliance with FAO's corporate procedures;
โข ย ย Support the tracking and compliance of validated country project work plans and budgets, ensuring adherence to FAO financial procedures and timely execution of programmed activities;
โข ย ย Develop and maintain programme tracking tools to monitor deliverables, deadlines, consultant outputs, and field-level implementation status;
โข ย ย Support preparation, quality assurance, and processing of ToRs, procurement requests, payment documentation, and other administrative deliverables;
โข ย ย Provide support to calendar management, meeting scheduling, and minute-taking for the Project Manager and broader team;
โข ย ย Manage programme filing systems and ensure complete and timely updates in FPMIS, shared folders, and other corporate tools;
3. ย ย Knowledge Management and Learningย
โข ย ย Ensure alignment of operational data with monitoring frameworks, working with M&E teams to ensure contract deliverables are integrated into progress reporting systems;
โข ย ย Support the organization of regional meetings, workshops, and field missions including logistics, travel, and coordination with partners and stakeholders;
โข ย ย Assist in the preparation of presentations, internal briefs, project updates, and consolidated reports;
โข ย ย Contribute to the development of regional reports and communication materials related to the project.
โข ย ย Support the preparation and delivery of knowledge products, training sessions, and learning events, ensuring alignment with relevant programme and policy objectives.
โข ย ย Perform other related duties as required.
FAO Standards and guidelines:
Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.
All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en ย ย
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia ย ย
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044enย
FAOSTYLE: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081enย
FAO terminology: http://www.fao.org/faotermย
FAO Names Of Countries: https://www.fao.org/nocs/en ย
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). ย
Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย University degree in international development, business/public administration, project management, or a related field;
โข ย ย At least 5 years of relevant experience in supporting programme operations, project implementation, or coordination of donor-funded projects in the field of international development;
โข ย ย Working knowledge (level C) of English;
โข ย ย National of Ghana or resident in Ghana with a valid work permit;
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work and with International Organizations.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in supporting operational coordination, procurement, and contract management in complex programmes;
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in in administrative and financial management of field projects and its monitoring processes including logistical support for regional meetings, training sessions, and field missions.
Selection Criteriaย
โข ย ย Demonstrated ability to manage operational workflows including but not limited to Letters of Agreement (LoAs), procurement actions, and service contracts;
โข ย ย Proven track record of supporting programme delivery in donor-funded or multi-stakeholder environments;
โข ย ย Strong coordination and communication skills with the ability to facilitate structured internal collaboration across technical teams and country offices;
โข ย ย Working knowledge of French is a strong asset;
โข ย ย Proficiency in tracking tools, reporting systems, and document management to monitor programme implementation;
โข ย ย Capacity to work independently, manage competing priorities, and provide timely operational support in fast-paced settings.