National Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Office, 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. FAO Kyrgyzstan assists the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to develop policies, programmes and projects to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

In this context, the FAO is implementing in collaboration with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the GCF- funded project “Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investment in Forests and Rangelands (CS-FOR)” (GCP/KYR/020/GCF). Project activities are aligned to the immediate needs, as well as longer term development challenges associated with Agenda 2030 and beyond. The project objective is to increase carbon sequestration through supporting climate investments in forests and rangelands and through reducing drivers of degradation and emissions via institutional support, participatory ecosystem-based sustainable management of natural resources and green growth investments. This assignment will contribute to project objective, such as to contribute to the development of a low carbon-emission and climate-resilient economy, while capitalizing important co-benefits from adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Reporting Lines

The Operations Specialist provides support to the project under the general supervision of the FAO Representative for Kyrgyzstan and the direct supervision of the International Technical Advisor on forestry, rangeland and governance and National Project Coordinator of the project.

Technical Focus

Project administration and financial management, including accounting and personnel administration.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assume overall responsibility for timely financial and accounting management.
• Prepare and manage financial plans and budgets of the GCP/KYR/020/GCF project in close coordination with the ITA, NPC and PMU specialists, including FAO-BH and submit to PSC once cleared by the ITA.
• Provide guidance and support in the implementation of the OPIM modality at FEKYR.
• Ensure that the GCP/KYR/020/GCF flow of funds is continuously operative in line with the Funded Activity Agreements signed respectively between GCF and FAO, Operational Partner Agreement (OPA) between FAO and Forestry Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic, and OPA between FAO and Community Development and Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic (ARIS).
• Prepare financial statements/reports for the PIU and take timely actions for project cash instalments/transfer for the projects under OPIM and prepare the request for funds as per established procedures.
• Financial management, supervision, guidance, and technical support in FPMIS and IMIS for GCP/KYR/020/GCF project.
• Review and clear financial and progress reports received from the OP and certify request for funds within GCP/KYR/020/GCF project.
• Follow up on the contracts signed with service providers, NGOs, the private sector, academia, and/or other outsourced service suppliers. Coordinate with the PMU’s respective staff and the Procurement Officer to guarantee that the services are delivered and fully met prior to any issuance of disbursement.
• Prepare annual budget forecasts. Analyse the GCP/KYR/020/GCF project budget and expenses. Promptly report any under- and over-budgeting matters to the ITA and NPC.
• Carry out timely project budget revisions in line with the approved total project budget and actual expenditures. Support the ITA in preparing the annual budget and budget amendment requests to submit to the PSC for approval.
• Support amendment process of OPAs whenever required.
• Monitor delivery estimates and contribute to regular reports at the request of the Budget Holder and NPC; provide inputs regarding project budgetary matters, as required.
• Prepare relevant documents for internal and external financial audits.
• Provide support in arrangement of spot checks/annual audits foreseen under FAO Manual Section MS701.
• Undertake any other actions related to the project finance as requested by FAO and/or OP.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in accounting or finance for international standard or a related field is required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience of budgeting, accounting and reporting procedures of the International Organization (preferably UN).
• Working knowledge of English and Russian is required;.
• National or Resident of the Kyrgyz Republic.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional skills

• Working knowledge of Kyrgyz is an advantage.
• Broad experience of budgeting, accounting, and reporting procedures of the International Organization (preferably UN).
• Hands-on experience of setting up and running a project financial management and accounting information system in accordance with best international practice.
• Complete, practice-based command of double-entry bookkeeping.
• Ability to present financial information in a clear, concise manner and in formats suitable for non-specialists.
• Experience in training staff of local counterparts and subcontractors in disbursement procedures and in accounting theory and practice.
• Computer literate; familiarity with Windows-based programs such as Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Accounting Programme, and other MIS.
• Ability to exercise a high level of judgment, personal initiative, tact, and discretion ant to communicate effectively with people at all levels and to collaboratively work as a member of a team.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION