Organizational Setting

The position is located in the FAO Quetta office. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Pakistan focuses its efforts on poverty reduction, food security, sustainable livelihoods and rural development. FAO has partnered with the Government of Pakistan on research and development, training, extension services and strengthening of the staff capacity in planning and policy making. FAO has supported improvements in agricultural policy analysis, strengthened institutions. Enhanced integrated area development and expanded participation of marginalized and vulnerable communities in sustainable development.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan, the direct supervision of International Provincial Coordinator in FAO Quetta Office, and in close coordination with International M&E Officer Islamabad, the Reporting Specialist will undertake the following activities:

Technical Focus

The role involves producing high quality analytical reports from project data, emphasizing accomplishments, obstacles, and suggestions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and complying with donor and Government regulations. This position demands vigilance in staying informed about donor and Government compliance rules to meet donor expectations consistently.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist provincial office (including provincial head and project coordinators/managers) in the production and submission of complete progress reports (monthly, quarterly, interim, annual and final project reports) of projects.
• Provide quality assurance support to project managers in reviewing, editing, and providing feedback on the project reports.
• Generate high-quality analytical reports based on project data, outputs and targets highlighting key achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Ensure reports align with organizational objectives and donor and Government requirements.
• Stay updated on donor and Government compliance rules and regulations, ensuring that all reporting is in line with donor expectations.
• Collaborate with the finance and program teams to ensure compliance in financial reporting.
• Coordinate and consult with project managers/coordinators and programme and MEAL teams in gathering information and data for reporting purposes.
• Maintain clear and effective communication channels with project staff to facilitate reporting.
• Develop and maintain a reporting schedule for different projects, ensuring that deadlines are met.
• Provide regular updates to project managers on reporting timelines and requirements.
• Conduct field visits and regular monitoring activities to assess project progress and ensure activities are on track.
• Identify and report any deviations from project plans and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of reported data from project staff.
• Ensure quality of MEAL technical studies reports (baseline, impact assessments/evaluations) and integrate MEAL data/information into progress reports;
• Any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in relevant field including agriculture, agriculture economics, rural development, development studies or any related area
• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience in international development in programme management, report writing, in a related field
• Working knowledge of the English language
• National of Pakistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in project reporting and monitoring;
• Experience in similar settings would be considered a distinct asset;
• Understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines and programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the FAO or other UN Agencies would be considered an added asset;
• Experience in preparing donor reports (GCF, USAID, EU, ECHO, etc)
• Knowledge of MEAL concepts and practices.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION