National Programme and Operations Specialist (Forestry)

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager – AFR100 and in close coordination with the Global Project Management Support Team and the RAF operational teams, the Programme and Operations Specialist will:
1.    Programme Management •    Support the onboarding, training, and knowledge transfer for new project staff and consultants, ensuring continuity of operational and financial processes;
•    Support internal coordination among outcome leads, ensuring timely information flow, alignment across workstreams, and preparation of key briefing materials for governance or steering meetings;
•    Assist the Project Manager in monitoring programme implementation and establishing tracking mechanisms to ensure timely delivery across the PMU, technical and country teams;
•    Coordinate day-to-day communication with country offices and outcome leads to ensure timely inputs, responses, and activity implementation;
•    Contribute to risk assessments and ensure mitigation measures are embedded in operational workflows, particularly around high-value contracts and grants;
•    Respond to queries regarding project progress, impacts, and lessons learned to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

2.    Operations

 •    Monitor and follow up on contractual processes including Letters of Agreement (LoAs), procurement actions, and service contracts with implementing partners and consultants;
•    Coordinate operational workflows including contract initiation, documentation, review, and tracking;
•    Liaise with RAF and headquarters units to ensure compliance with FAO's corporate procedures;
•    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;
•    Develop and maintain programme tracking tools to monitor deliverables, deadlines, consultant outputs, and field-level implementation status;
•    Support preparation, quality assurance, and processing of ToRs, procurement requests, payment documentation, and other administrative deliverables;
•    Provide support to calendar management, meeting scheduling, and minute-taking for the Project Manager and broader team;
•    Manage programme filing systems and ensure complete and timely updates in FPMIS, shared folders, and other corporate tools;
3.    Knowledge Management and Learning •    Ensure alignment of operational data with monitoring frameworks, working with M&E teams to ensure contract deliverables are integrated into progress reporting systems;
•    Support the organization of regional meetings, workshops, and field missions including logistics, travel, and coordination with partners and stakeholders;
•    Assist in the preparation of presentations, internal briefs, project updates, and consolidated reports;
•    Contribute to the development of regional reports and communication materials related to the project.
•    Support the preparation and delivery of knowledge products, training sessions, and learning events, ensuring alignment with relevant programme and policy objectives.
•    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:

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements   

 •    University degree in international development, business/public administration, project management, or a related field;
•    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;
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English;
•    National of Ghana or resident in Ghana with a valid work permit;

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

 •    Work experience in more than one location or area of work and with International Organizations.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in supporting operational coordination, procurement, and contract management in complex programmes;
•    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 Criteria

•    Demonstrated ability to manage operational workflows including but not limited to Letters of Agreement (LoAs), procurement actions, and service contracts;
•    Proven track record of supporting programme delivery in donor-funded or multi-stakeholder environments;
•    Strong coordination and communication skills with the ability to facilitate structured internal collaboration across technical teams and country offices;
•    Working knowledge of French is a strong asset;
•    Proficiency in tracking tools, reporting systems, and document management to monitor programme implementation;
•    Capacity to work independently, manage competing priorities, and provide timely operational support in fast-paced settings.