National Project Coordinator

Job Posting: 13/Jan/2025

Closure Date: 27/Jan/2025, 5:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: SFS

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

: Zimbabwe-Harare

Duration: 12 months, renewable

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your 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 person 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
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, 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 our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting 

The main aim of the Sub-regional office is to provide technical assistance and support to governments and country offices in the sub-region 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.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the Subregional Coordinator and the direct supervision and guidance of the SFS Forestry Officer and in close coordination with the Natural Resources Management Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the implementation of the forestry projects in Zimbabwe, especially development projects focusing on sustainable forest management, climate change resilience building and integrated landscape management

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of 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.

In particular, he/she will:

• Contribute directly to all technical activities, notably:

o Negotiations with partners and development of joint work programmes and budgets.

o Analyze and amend as necessary training materials and technical options for implementation

• Ensure that all activities are implemented in line with the project’s results-based logical framework, workplan and approved budget.

• Coordinate and provide technical support to the implementation of the project components.

• Liaise with all stakeholders, government, and donors in the preparation and approval of the annual work plans and budgets, and ensure its timely approval by the Project Task Force (PTF)

• Focus on activities related to; a) Cross-border cooperation where appropriate, knowledge management and information sharing, and b) Management of miombo woodlands and coordination with the activities undertaken under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund funded project.

• Facilitate capacity building of all stakeholders using training and communication materials and promoting participation of stakeholders at all levels.

• Lead the preparation of semi-annual Project Progress Reports (in close cooperation with the BH and the LTO and in consultation with the Project Task Force and countries´ coordinators) and alert the BH and the LTO of potential problems that could result in delays during implementation.

• The International Project Coordinator has the responsibility to coordinate the preparation and finalization of the Project Terminal report,

• Provide technical advice and assistance to the mid-term and final evaluations of the project.

• Revise the TOR for consultants, assist in the identification of suitable candidates.

• Coordinate activities in the countries and provide technical advice as required.

• Provide support in the preparation of contracts, letters of agreement with project partners in close collaboration with the BH and LTO.

• Represent FAO in forest technical discussions and in the Project Coordination Unit.

• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in forestry, environmental sciences, economics, agriculture, natural resources management or related field

• At least ten years of relevant experience in forestry, natural resources management climate and environmental 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 development projects management and coordination, including budgeting, work planning and reporting, especially for EU funded projects

• Knowledge of and experience in forestry, wildlife, natural resources management, including Miombo woodlands management, development of value chains for non-timber forest products, community-based natural resources management and natural resources governance

• Experience in mapping and land use planning, livelihood improvements through ecosystem services and community centred natural resources management

• 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 natural resources management and sustainable development (e.g. SDGs, UNSDCFs, CBD, UNCCD, UNFCCC, SADC Protocol on Forestry, Maputo Declaration (2022) on Sustainable and Integrated Management of Miombo Woodlands)

• Good knowledge and previous experience in working with national institutions responsible for forestry and natural resources management (e.g. Forestry Commission, Environment Management Agency, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority, Land Boards, National and Local NGOs) and relevant Ministries (Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture).

• 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.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. 

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT