Project Field Coordinator

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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

• advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
• provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
• assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
• position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
• ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position is located in either Ilagan, Isabela / Tuguegarao, Cagayan Province, with field missions in Isabela and Cagayan Province.

Reporting Lines

The Project Field Coordinator will directly report to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and will work in close collaboration with the Project Team Coordinator and Community Resilience and Emergency Response Adviser.

Technical Focus

The Project Field Coordinator will be assigned under the Transformative Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) project, providing technical support and translate concepts into practical field-level actions. Requiring effective community mobilization essentials, including engaging farmers and local groups, facilitating participation, and promoting inclusive ownership of project interventions. Strong communication, problem-solving, and reporting skills are also critical to manage field operations and support monitoring and learning.

Tasks and responsibilities

·    Assist in the design, refinement, and regular review of the project workplan, including support to scoping, mapping, and baseline activities such as LGU engagement, targeting of priority areas, household profiling, GEDSI assessment, and baseline data collection in coordination with the MEAL team.
·    Coordinate and liaise regularly with provincial and local government partners, stakeholders, and community organizations to facilitate smooth implementation of project activities, including organizing and supporting inception and stakeholder validation activities.
·    Strengthen partnerships and inter-agency coordination at the provincial level, supporting validation of priority areas, beneficiary targeting, and implementation arrangements.
·    Conduct regular field visits and oversee timely implementation of project activities, including beneficiary targeting and registration, training and social preparation, cash and cash-for-work implementation, and deployment of agricultural inputs, equipment, and technologies.
·    Provide technical advice and coordination support at the community level, including facilitating adoption of climate-resilient practices, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable agricultural and fisheries interventions.
·    Maintain regular communication with LGUs, community leaders, FCAs, and partner organizations to support community mobilization, inclusive participation, and effective delivery of assistance.
·    Support capacity development interventions by organizing trainings, workshops, and field demonstrations, and assisting resource persons in delivering sessions and facilitating participatory activities.
·    Assist in the coordination of procurement and logistics at the field level, including distribution and pre-positioning of inputs and equipment, and validation of their functionality and use.
·    Support implementation of cash-based interventions, including beneficiary verification, community mobilization, monitoring of cash utilization, and participation in Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) and related assessments.
·    Assist in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) activities, including maintaining beneficiary databases, tracking outputs and outcomes, supporting baseline and monitoring exercises, and contributing to reporting and knowledge management.
·    Regularly address operational bottlenecks or issues proactively and provide strategic support to improve project implementation in priority areas
·    Prepare and submit regular progress reports on activities, highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations
·    Represent the project at provincial level meetings and forums and ensure consistent communication and alignment with stakeholders
·    Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements 
  

• University degree in the field of Agriculture, Rural Development, Development Studies, Community Development/Organizing, other Sustainable Development related studies.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture/rural development sectors, project implementation, capacity building, and coordination with national/regional government structures, NGOs and private sector and the UN agencies.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

·    Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
·    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Filipino.
·    Excellent writing, and report writing skills in English and Filipino.
·    Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
·    Working knowledge of relevant local dialects is an advantage
·    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION