Job Posting: 24 April 2026
Closure Date: 16 May 2026, 12:59 AM
Organizational Unit: FRCVI
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Praia, Cabo Verde
Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension
Post Number: N/A
Important Notice: Please note that the closure date and time displayed above are based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device.
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 persons 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. As a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, FAO 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 its strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO has been active in Cabo Verde for more than 45 years, focusing on agricultural productivity, food security, sustainable farming practices and improved access to resources. The Organization works with government agencies and local communities to strengthen resilience to climate change and natural disasters in the agriculture sector, while also supporting policy development and capacity-building efforts for long-term sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Within this context, the National Operations Specialist will support the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in the management and implementation of key operational activities, including the preparation and regular updating of procurement plans for goods, services and human resources, support to the timely implementation and monitoring of Letters of Agreement (LoAs), preparation and monitoring of monthly financial implementation reports, and maintenance of project data and documentation in FPMIS.
Reporting Lines
The National Operations Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Cabo Verde and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).
Technical Focus
The consultant will support the work of the AFAOR (Programme) in project management and implementation, with particular emphasis on:
- preparation and regular updating of procurement plans for goods, services and human resources
- timely implementation and monitoring of Letters of Agreement
- preparation and monitoring of monthly financial implementation reports
- maintenance and regular updating of project data and documentation in FPMIS
Tasks and Responsibilities
The National Operations Specialist will cover the projects and activities of the country office, with a particular focus on GEF projects. Tasks and responsibilities include:
- Support the operational management and monitoring of projects implemented by the FAO Representation.
- Act as focal point for day-to-day operational matters related to assigned field projects, in coordination with programme, technical and administrative units.
- Assist in the planning of project activities, including the use of tools to monitor outputs and indicators.
- Ensure timely delivery of project inputs, including personnel, technical services, subcontracts, training activities, equipment and supplies, in line with approved workplans.
- Perform operational tasks related to procurement processes, including preparation of procurement documentation, issuance of tenders and purchase orders, evaluation of bids, follow-up with suppliers, participation in bid opening panels, and preparation of simple contract amendments or renewals, in accordance with FAO procurement rules.
- Monitor the status of procurement actions and contracts, ensuring timely follow-up and compliance with established procedures.
- Review and monitor project budgets and forecasts, including monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual budgets, ensuring alignment with approved workplans.
- Participate in the preparation and monitoring of project workplans, and propose corrective measures to address operational bottlenecks or delays.
- Support the monitoring and management of project disbursements, accounting records and financial documentation, in compliance with FAO financial rules.
- Support FAO’s monitoring and oversight of Operational Partners under GEF-funded projects, ensuring compliance with the Operational Partner Agreement, project documents, approved workplans, Risk Mitigation and Assurance Plans, co-financing arrangements, and FAO and GEF rules and procedures.
- Facilitate and support field missions, including operational, administrative and logistical arrangements, and follow up on mission findings and recommendations.
- Ensure compliance with administrative, operational and legal procedures related to procurement, recruitment and contract administration.
- Ensure the quality, accuracy and completeness of project data and documentation in FPMIS for pipeline and ongoing projects.
- Provide support to administrative and logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, training activities and missions.
- Perform other related tasks as needed.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in business, public administration, project management, finance, or a related field, with at least three years of relevant experience in project management, budget or finance
OR - University degree in business, public administration, project management, finance, or a related field, with at least five years of relevant experience in project management, budget or finance
- Level C proficiency in the official working language used by FAO for communication with the country (French or English)
- Working knowledge of Portuguese
- National of Cabo Verde
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Demonstrated understanding of the objectives and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines, and programme or project management procedures, preferably those used by the United Nations or FAO, is considered an asset
- Demonstrated experience in programme and project management in the context of Cabo Verde
- Extent and relevance of experience in budgetary planning, budget management and financial reporting
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work is desirable
- Proven skills in coordination and report writing
- Ability to work under pressure and strong interpersonal skills
Additional Information
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. FAO also seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
How to Apply
- Visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile
- Ensure that your profile is accurate, complete and includes employment records, academic qualifications and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Once your profile is completed, submit your application
- FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions recognized in the WHED and aligned with ISCED mappings
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization for verification of work history, character, education, military and police records where relevant
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Only applications received through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered
- Applicants are encouraged to submit their application well before the deadline
- If support is needed, candidates may create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for assistance
