Operational and Financial Support Specialist
Join to apply for the Operational and Financial Support Specialist role at FAO.
Organizational Setting
The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO’s work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with member countries, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues, and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects analyses and disseminates information on the world’s forest resources and on the production, trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products.
Reporting Lines
The Operational and Financial Support Specialist will report to the Programme Officer (Operations Coordinator) or to the Programme Officers (Budget and Finance), in close coordination with the Operations Group with the HDDE, Climate Change, and MDF team leaders and/or of specific officers within the Team(s), related project or programmes including in the Forests and Climate work stream.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Support operational processes during different phases of the project cycle for trust funds, from concept note to project formulation to project implementation/closure.
- Support preparation of specific sections of project documents and work plans.
- Support insertion of project data in corporate systems (FPMIS, GRMS etc) and proper maintenance of project data.
- Support (depending on needs) specific project implementation processes such as procurement, including Letters of Agreements (LoAs) and related monitoring; preparation of reports, and preparation of forms related to project closure.
- Assist in the maintenance and development of project-related databases and dashboards, allowing for monitoring of portfolios of projects and programmes.
- Assist in maintaining and updating consolidated analytical tools and reports to facilitate portfolio-wide operational analysis and support in providing strategic advice.
- Assist in the preparation of specific ad hoc documentation/analysis to support budget holders for relevant global and interregional projects of the teams.
- Assist in selected tasks related to the preparation of the Annual Work Plan (and related budget) for the following financial year.
- Support team tasks such as maintenance of SharePoint records etc.
- Participate in meetings and discussions organized by the Operations Group.
- Prepare summaries, statistics or other background material for the Operations Group (when requested).
- Other duties as required.
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree (for consultants)/ University degree (only for PSA) in International Relations, Social Sciences, Project Management, Business Administration, Finance or other related fields.
- At least one year (for entry level: COF /PSA C/ at least five years (for mid-level: COF/PSA B) of relevant working experience in project/programme management, project support, and/or in financial monitoring and reporting.
Working knowledge (level C) of English. A limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) would be an asset. For PSA, working knowledge of English (level C).
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Good knowledge of corporate computerized financial / travel / Human Resources systems and administrative procedures and policies.
- Good knowledge and experience in project management, planning and monitoring and reporting.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with trust fund projects and related processes.
- Ability to coordinate with internal and external partners.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines concurrently.
- Familiarity with FAO procedures, regulations and rules, will be considered an asset.
Job Posting
16/Nov/2025
Closure Date
30/Nov/2025, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit
NFO
Job Type
Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition
Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level
N/A
Primary Location
Various Locations-Various Locations
Duration
Up to 11 months
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
Benefits & Diversity Statement
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values.
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.