Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing the Technical Cooperation Programme project TCP/GUY/4101, which aims to strengthen national capacity for shrimp aquaculture production in Guyana through improved hatchery capabilities. The project is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department, and contributes to FAO’s Strategic Framework, particularly under Blue Transformation, Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture Production, and Gender Equality and Rural Women’s Empowerment.

The objective of this assignment is to ensure effective, timely, and results-based implementation of the TCP/GUY/4101 project by strengthening coordination, operational delivery, and assist with strengthening partnerships across the shrimp aquaculture value chain, while supporting sustainable and inclusive sector development.

To support effective project delivery, FAO seeks a Planning and Implementation Specialist to  support project coordination and implementation,  counterparts and technical experts.

The incumbent will support strengthening partnerships and enhancing value chain integration to support long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the shrimp aquaculture sector.

Reporting Lines

The Planning and Implementation Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative in Guyana, and under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) responsible for aquaculture and Blue Transformation-related activities.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the operationalization of the shrimp hatchery at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, through coordinated planning.and implementation support. The role requires close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, national agencies, international experts, and private sector actors to ensure timely delivery of project outputs and the establishment of an enabling environment for sustainable shrimp aquaculture development.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Planning and Implementation Specialist will carry out the following tasks:
•     Prepare the workplan and budget
•     Support the day-to-day implementation of project activities in accordance with the approved project document, workplan, and budget.
•     Support coordination among  project partners including FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture.
•     Support project monitoring and evaluation including  assisting in the implementation of the project tracking tool.
•     Support risk identification and mitigation planning, including regular updates of a project risk log.
•     Facilitate alignment between technical, operational, and financial components of project implementation.
•     Support the planning, organization, and follow up of project meetings, technical missions, trainings, and workshops, including preparation of agendas, minutes, and follow up actions.
•     Monitor implementation progress against planned outputs and timelines and support the identification of implementation constraints and corrective actions, in line with FAO’s Results-Based Management (RBM) principles.
•     Contribute to the preparation of narrative and technical inputs for progress reports, mission reports, and other TCP monitoring and reporting requirements.
•     Facilitate administrative and operational processes related to project implementation, including coordination with FAO operations staff on consultants, procurement, and logistical arrangements.
•     Support documentation, knowledge management, and visibility of project activities and results in line with FAO requirements.
•     Promote the integration of gender equality and inclusion considerations in project activities, consistent with the project design and FAO policies.
•     Support coordination related to shrimp aquaculture value chain activities, including maintaining a database of  key stakeholders, facilitating information exchange, and supporting the organization of consultations or meetings as required by the project.
•     Assist in the coordination of stakeholder inputs to value chain–related planning, sustainability, or expansion discussions, including logistical support for consultations and consolidation of feedback for technical specialists and FAO reporting.
•     Support analysis of constraints and opportunities within the shrimp aquaculture value chain, including inputs, production, processing, and market access, to inform project decision-making
•     Support coordination and information sharing related to public–private engagement in the emerging shrimp aquaculture sector, including maintaining contact lists, organizing meetings or exchanges as requested, and supporting communication between public and private stakeholders involved in project activities.
•     Provide logistical and documentation support for public–private dialogue activities, including arranging meetings or consultation spaces, recording key discussion points and agreed follow‑up actions, and sharing consolidated notes with FAO supervisors and technical teams.
•     Identify and facilitate opportunities from cross-cutting programmes and projects within the FAO Strategic Framework and from emerging initiatives which strengthen an enabling and sustainable environment for the project.
•     Support  the development of sustainability and exit strategies.
•     Draft the Terminal Report of the project under the guidance of the LTO
•     Perform the role and responsibilities for other active projects in the areas of Better Production and Better Nutrition.
•     Perform any other related duties as required to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements  
 
•     University degree in fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, natural resource management, development studies, or a related field.
•     At least three (3) years of relevant experience in project planning, implementation, and coordination, preferably in fisheries, aquaculture, or agricultural development projects.
•     Relevant experience in the management of fisheries or aquaculture development is strongly desirable but not mandatory.
•     Strong working knowledge of English (C1)

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Experience coordinating projects with government counterparts and multiple stakeholders.
•     Familiarity with UN or FAO project implementation procedures is an asset.
•     Strong organizational, coordination, and reporting skills.
•     Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a results based environment.
•     Knowledge of the national fisheries and aquaculture context in Guyana is an advantage
•     Demonstrated experience in value chain development or market systems approaches.
•     Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue, including public–private partnerships.
•     Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

FAO Core Competencies

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