The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced a call for expressions of interest for the position of Operations Specialist within the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB). The consultancy, offered under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) or consultant contract, will run for a period of up to 11 months across various global locations. The closing date for applications is 24 October 2025. Organizational Context FAO plays a central role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by fostering efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. Guided by its Strategic Framework, FAO promotes better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all—ensuring no one is left behind. Environmental sustainability forms a core pillar of FAO’s global operations and strategic priorities. The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) coordinates FAO’s global efforts to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. OCB is the organization’s focal point for multilateral environmental agreements such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Office supports countries in developing policies and accessing financing through mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). OCB also manages several major FAO initiatives, including the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It further leads FAO’s work on environmental safeguards and priority programs on Climate Change and Bioeconomy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. Project Background The FAO-GEF Coordination Unit, hosted by OCB, supports countries in accessing GEF funding. Within this framework, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) stands as a flagship initiative that empowers communities through grants aimed at generating environmental and socio-economic benefits. In January 2024, FAO was selected as a new SGP Implementing Agency under the enhanced SGP 2.0 model. To date, 13 countries have requested FAO’s support in implementing national SGP portfolios. The organization aims to strengthen technical and operational capacities to ensure effective, inclusive, and culturally sensitive grant-making processes. In line with this objective, FAO is seeking to engage an Operations Specialist to support the operational and financial management of the SGP in compliance with FAO and GEF policies. Reporting Lines The Operations Specialist will report directly to the Deputy Director of OCB and work closely with the Global Programme Management Team (GPMT), the Integrated Programs Hub, OCB-GEF Unit, country-level SGP focal points, and technical divisions across FAO headquarters and decentralized offices. Technical Focus The incumbent will ensure that all SGP operations and financial processes are efficiently managed and aligned with FAO and GEF operational standards, contributing to the program’s accountability, transparency, and effectiveness. Key Responsibilities The Operations Specialist will: Serve as the operational focal point for SGP matters and address day-to-day operational challenges in collaboration with the GPMT. Coordinate with FAO departments to secure operational clearances and conduct feasibility assessments for various modalities. Provide operational guidance to decentralized offices and executing partners, enhancing their financial and administrative capacities. Prepare and process legal agreements, including funding and partnership frameworks, in compliance with FAO protocols. Support country teams in operational and budgetary planning, reviewing annual budgets and revisions through FAO systems. Maintain accurate and updated operational and financial documentation on FAO’s platforms. Develop tools and dashboards for monitoring financial and operational data to guide programmatic decision-making. Track expenditures, investigate anomalies, and ensure financial integrity in all transactions. Contribute to periodic internal and external reporting, including submissions to GEF, donors, and FAO corporate systems. Prepare documentation for audits and evaluations, ensuring adherence to FAO’s audit and compliance standards. Identify bottlenecks and propose cost-efficient strategies to strengthen delivery and reduce transactional costs. Minimum Requirements Education: Advanced university degree in project management, finance, economics, natural resource management, development studies, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may also be considered. Experience: At least one year of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning; and prior exposure to financial and operational management within development programs. Language: Working knowledge (level C) of English. Core Competencies Results orientation Teamwork and collaboration Effective communication Relationship-building Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement Additional Skills Preference will be given to candidates with experience in multiple geographic contexts, operational backstopping of community-based projects, and familiarity with FAO and GEF financial procedures. Application Process Candidates are invited to submit their applications via the FAO recruitment portal by 24 October 2025. Applications must include a detailed online profile, letter of motivation, and updated employment and academic information. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. FAO emphasizes integrity, transparency, respect for diversity, and zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or abuse. The organization promotes equal opportunity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals from underrepresented member states. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.