Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation)

Organizational Setting

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 Nations 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:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO's mandate.
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
(iv)    osition FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative responsible for Programme, and in close collaboration with relevant personnel at FAO Country, sub-regional, Regional and Headquarters Offices, government counterparts, and development partners.

Technical Focus

The Senior National Project Coordinator (SNPC) will provide overall technical leadership and project coordination for all projects under the irrigation portfolio of the FAO Country Office. FAO in partnership with the government of Malawi and its resource partners are working on expanding investment in irrigation sub-sector.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the development of specific workplan and detailed budget as per the signed project agreement
• Lead and coordinate implementation of project activities and approved work plans.
• Provide technical guidance on irrigation development, climate resilience, natural resources management, and agricultural development interventions.
• Coordinate operational planning, budgeting, procurement, and implementation processes to ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
• Strengthen collaboration and partnerships among FAO, Government institutions, Partner UN Agencies, development partners, and other project stakeholders.
• Lead project monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning, and knowledge management activities.
• Ensure compliance with project agreements, safeguard requirements, donor commitments, and FAO operational procedures.
• In collaboration with the communications team, lead the design and implementation of communication, visibility, and knowledge-sharing activities to promote project achievements and lessons learned.
• Lead the implementation and effective functioning of project management and coordination structures, including technical committees, coordination platforms, stakeholder engagement processes, and the participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
• Coordinate the preparation, review and updating of annual, quarterly, and monthly work plans, budget plans, travel plans, procurement plans and implementation schedules.
• Lead the implementation of project activities including the preparation and management of Letters of Agreement (LoAs), service contracts, partnership arrangements and related administrative processes.
• Lead the preparation and implementation of procurement plans and follow up procurement activities for goods, services, and works in accordance with approved procedures and in consultation with the Budget Holder.
• Provide technical guidance on irrigation development, climate smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, watershed management and sustainable natural resource management interventions.
• Ensure that project activities promote integrated approaches that improve agricultural productivity, climate resilience, environmental sustainability and natural resource management outcomes.
• Strengthen collaboration and partnerships with government institutions, UN Agencies, development partners, private sector actors, community organizations and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective project monitoring, evaluation, learning, supervision, audits, reviews, surveys, assessments, field missions and follow up of recommendations.
• Lead the preparation and timely submission of technical reports, donor reports, progress updates, supervision mission reports, communication materials and knowledge products including the documentation and sharing of lessons learned and good practices.
• Lead the preparation of project concept notes, proposals, and project documents to support resource mobilization efforts within the thematic area.
• Represent the project in relevant technical and coordination meetings and provide technical inputs on project related matters.
• Participate in technical workshops, meetings, and forums, facilitating knowledge sharing, promoting best practices, and strengthening the visibility, influence, and uptake of FAO’s work and technical contributions.
• Perform other duties as required.

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 a field of Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, with Natural Resources Management as a minor.
• At least five seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, irrigation engineering, watershed management.
• Working knowledge (level C) of the English language.
• National of Malawi

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Programme and project management.
• Strategic planning and coordination.
• Irrigation engineering, climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Operational and financial management.
• Analytical thinking and problem solving.
• Leadership and facilitation skills.

Selection criteria (Candidate will be assessed against the following criteria)

• Demonstrated experience in programme coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners and community-based organizations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION