Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The PMU also ensures technical quality assurance, the financial and the administrative effectiveness and efficiency in the management and implementation of the FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme. Moreover, it manages communication, documentation, and sharing of acquired knowledge, good practices and lessons learned from the programme with the Ministry, stakeholders and other partners.
The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3)Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5)Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7)Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9)Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Administration and Finance Officer of the FAO KSA Technical Cooperation Programme, the incumbent will directly work with the National Project Manager and in close liaison with FAO Representation, contributing to the day-to-day administration of the Project Management Unit and finance related functions to run the project smoothly.

Technical Focus

He/ She is responsible for the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to administrative, procurement, budgetary and operations activities, consistent with applicable FAO rules and procedures. In particular, the incumbent will support in streamlining administrative and financial systems and relevant procedures in accordance with existing guidelines of FAO and UN.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the effective delivery of administrative services in the areas of personnel, finance, procurement and general services;
• Support the effective management of the core administrative, human, financial and physical resources of FAO KSA;
• Ensuring that accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems function correctly, and all relevant records maintained
• Providing support in advising and guidance concerning the Financial and Administrative Rules and on the interpretation of financial regulations and procedures
• Preparing the processing of payments, accounts receivable, and other financial transactions.
• Participating in the development of accounting policies and providing to the Head of Administration recommendations for improvements to financial and internal control systems
• Based on existing guidelines of FAO and UN for the programme and projects staff, consultants, and subcontractors, establish local financial and administrative systems and procedures that is consistent with the government’s guidelines.
• Develop and implement a proper archiving system for all programme, administration and finance related files, reports and correspondence for easy access and future reference.
• Maintain an updated inventory of all supplies and equipment for the PMU, Projects and their Components, and prepare guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of office equipment and properties.
• Draft and process administrative and financial reports required by the PMU and Project management.
• Participate in budget preparation for the Programme and all Projects and assist with the budget revisions exercises for all.
• Prepare and process financial reports required by the Programme and Project management’.
• Support the business continuity management in FAO for the different offices in KSA.
• Support the monitoring of United Nations security measures
• Contribute to learning and capacity building initiatives

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in accountancy and financial management/Bachelor of Business Administration and /or other professional qualifications such CIMA, AAT, ACCA, CMA, Chartered Accountancy, etc in the above areas.
• Five years of relevant experience in project management, administration, financial and office management;
• Working knowledge of Arabic (level C) and limited knowledge of English (level B)
• National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Exchange, Oracle, GRMS, or any related software) etc.
• Good knowledge of financial and administration rules and regulations, accounting policies and practices
• Good knowledge of corporate financial systems, procurement procedures
• Good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge of UN administration procedures is an advantage;
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in the use of basic office software packages, electronic email and experience in handling web-based communications and management systems.