Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The main aim of the FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, 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.
Reporting Lines
The Project Coordinator - Women & Youth Development will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sudan, and in close coordination with FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE), and other relevant FAO technical divisions in HQ.
Technical Focus
Lead and coordinate the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of initiatives aimed at improving the economic opportunities of women and youth.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Lead the design, planning and implementation of livelihood projects for empowering women and youth economically
• Lead the assessment of women and youth needs to design appropriate livelihood interventions that address specific challenges along the agriculture value chain, such as unemployment, lack of skills, and limited access to financial services.
• Lead and contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals for women and youth economic empowerment
• Lead the preparation and periodic updating of annual work plans and procurement plans in consultation with technical teams and relevant FAO units.
• Supervise and coordinate national affiliate personnel specialists across value chains, agribusiness, digital finance and related components
• Manage the preparation and clearance of Letters of Agreement (LoAs), procurement packages, and contracts with implementing partners and service providers and grants contracts where applicable
• Compile and submit timely project reports according to FAO and the donor’s requirements.
• Organize/ Facilitate training and capacity-building activities, particularly focusing on leadership, livelihood development, financial literacy and entrepreneurship tailored to the needs of women and youth.
• Participate in research initiatives and advocacy for policies and projects that support women and youth in economic activities.
• Represent FAO in coordination forums, thematic working groups, advocacy networks, and other relevant platforms for youth and women economic empowerment
• Ensure strong coordination and collaboration with government institutions, NGOs, youth organizations, financial service providers, UN partners, and the private sector to foster synergies and sustainability and maximize project impacts.
• Work with MEAL team in developing tools and systems to track and submit timely and accurate progress and financial reports of projects.
• Work with MEAL team in generating and analysing data to measure impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports and facilitate documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and best practices to be shared with the communication teams for visibility, communication, and knowledge-sharing purposes with the stakeholders
• Perform any other tasks related to women and youth development as assigned by the country representative
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Agribusiness, Rural Development and related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 10 years of relevant international experience in managing multi-stakeholder agricultural development, resilience and livelihoods projects, with a focus on women & youth empowerment/ employment, entrepreneurship, or private-sector engagement.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Demonstrated capacity in managing large programme, multi-component programmes with complex operational structures.
• Proven expertise in agribusiness, value-chain development, and financial inclusion for smallholders’ particular women and youth.
• Demonstrated knowledge in digital finance and grants management for small groups
• Demonstrated knowledge in value chain development
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication abilities, with demonstrated experience in stakeholder coordination.
• Capacity to work effectively under pressure and in fragile contexts while maintaining quality and accountability.
• Prior experience with FAO, UN agencies, or international NGOs is an advantage.
Selection Criteria
• Proven experience in technical project management, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and collaboration with government and humanitarian and development partners.
• Experience working in humanitarian, post-crisis, or transition contexts is highly desirable.
