National Project Coordinator

job Description

Organizational Setting:
The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR) , is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars: (i) Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition. (ii) Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats, and crisis; (iii) Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection.

Reporting Lines
The National Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, in close collaboration with the International Resilience Specialist, A/FAOR-Programmes, with further reporting and guidance from the relevant FAO Lead Technical Officer of the project, Regional Office for Africa and technical divisions at HQ.

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of resilience project activities in line with the proposed budget to reach defined objectives. S/he will also provide overall guidance, technical support and coordination of the project, including the following:
•Plan, organize and ensure the general coherence of the projects’ activities implemented under the project components.
•Serve as the main contact point between project partners, the Budget Holder and Lead Technical Officer from FAO SFS.
•Provide technical support and strengthen capacities of government partners involved and ensure that the latest and best international practices and approaches are incorporated in the planning and implementation of project activities.
•Ensure that the project’s monitoring system is set-up and operational.
•Ensure timely reporting

Duties and Responsibilities

In particular, the incumbent will:
•Coordinate the project through work planning, budget management, monitoring and evaluation and follow-up with the implementing partners to ensure all activities are implemented in accordance to the results-based logical framework, workplan and approved budget;
•Provide technical backstopping for the smooth implementation of the project and ensure consistency among the various components of the project and related activities, as foreseen in the project document and log-frame;
•Lead the procurement of all goods and services for the project and ensure contractual compliance for contractual work;
•Ensure regular communication with all project stakeholders and in particular with the MLAFWRD, MECTHI, UN Agencies, NGO Consortia, Private sector, and the Donor in preparation and approval of the annual work plans and budgets, and ensure timely approval by the Project Task Force (PTF);
•Represent FAO in resilience building technical discussions and in the Project Management Unit;
•Manage the human, material and financial resources allocated to the project for efficient and timely project implementation and delivery under the BH supervision
•Lead the production of all required Project Progress reports in line with donor requirements and guidelines maintaining quality (in close cooperation with the BH and the LTO and in consultation with the Project Task Force) and alert the BH and the LTO of potential problems that could result in delays during implementation;
•Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.
•Provide support in the preparation of contracts, letters of agreement with project partners in close collaboration with the BH and LTO;
•Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;
•Initiate and coordinate outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities;
•Lead and/or participate in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.;
•Perform any other related duties as may be required.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Requirements:
• Advanced university degree in economics, agriculture, natural resources management, environmental sciences or related field
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in food and nutrition security, climate resilience, environmental protection and natural resources management project formulation, implementation and operational support,
• Working knowledge (level C) of English,
• National of Zimbabwe

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

Technical Skills
• Experience in resilience building projects management and coordination, including budgeting, work planning and reporting, especially for EU funded projects.
• Knowledge of and experience in climate smart agriculture, promotion of climate-resilient crop production, private sector engagement for development of value chains to promote agro-based livelihoods.
• Experience on nutrition in resilience programming-diversified food demand and consumption.
• Knowledge of mapping and land use planning, livelihood improvements through environmental protection and ecosystem restoration
• Good knowledge and previous experience in working with national institutions responsible for supporting ‘multiuse water systems’ that can serve on agriculture for irrigation, domestic human use, wildlife, and other uses
• Knowledge of FAO and experience with FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring and reporting
• Knowledge of global, regional and national development frameworks for climate change management and sustainable development (e.g. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015- 2030, SDGs, UNSDCFs, UNCCD, UNFCCC, SADC Climate Change Strategy, Zimbabwe NDS1)
• Knowledge of local specifics (socio-economic situation and livelihood options) in rural areas around Zimbabwe.
• Experience in working with the rural communities and local institutions.
• Good knowledge of corporate information systems
• Good analytical and writing skills
• Good communication and advocacy skills
• Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe will be considered as an asset

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.