Chief Technical Advisor (CTA)

Organizational Setting

The project aims to strengthen public and private sector capacities in Brazil and Uruguay for joint and integrated water resource management (IWRM) in the Merín Lagoon Basin, with emphasis on the sustainable and efficient use of water, preservation of ecosystems and their services, and adaptation to climate change, through the development of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme. More info of the project can be downloaded from: https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/10550

To ensure project coordination and execution across the whole project area a Binational Project Coordination Unit will be set up. Such unit should ensure a rigorous and efficient implementation of annual work plan and budget, following Project Steering Committee and FAOs project task force guidance and decisions.

This vacancy announcement is for the project coordinator (also referred in the project document as Chief Technical Advisor).

The position is located in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Reporting Lines

Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) will work under the direct guidance and oversight of responds directly to the Budget Holder of the project under technical monitoring of the FAO Lead Technical Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

The incumbent performs a variety of routine functions related to work. He/She will be in charge of the technical implementation, management, and oversight of the project, on behalf of the national partners and within the framework outlined in the approved Project Results Framework, and approved Project Budget

Tasks and responsibilities

The responsibilities of the position are:

- Lead the technical planning, coordinate and monitor the technical delivery of project outcomes, outputs and activities in coordination with the National Project Directors of both countries. - Prepare the project work plan for approval of the LTO and the Steering Committee; - Assist as Secretary of the Steering Committee; - Provide technical guidance to the executing partner(s), technical service providers and experts to ensure that the activities are implemented using relevant FAO instruments, in particular International Waters and Integrated Water Resources Management approaches, tools and methodologies and best practices and gender principles; - Provide technical guidance, assess, review and approve the deliverables of the GEF-financed national technical specialists, and the technical outputs of the executing partners/service providers, short-time consultants, and other technical teams financed by projects funds, in close consultation with FAO and the national partners. Coordinate the GEF-financed team; - Ensure technical alignment of this GEF project’s objectives and the programs implemented by partner institutions and organizations at binational, national and local levels. Promote technical synergies with related GEF and non-GEF initiatives, in particular IW projects and programmes, and other connected initiatives financed by the international cooperation in the project intervention area; - Support the organization and facilitation of bi-national meetings relevant to the project implementation, monitoring and evaluation and ensure a high level of collaboration between participating institutions and organizations at the national and local levels; - Supervise the project’s M&E and communications plans, including the incorporation of gender considerations, and the implementation of the project’s gender plan; - Prepare the first draft of the Project Implementation Review (PIR), for FAO LTO’s review. Discuss technical findings with binational and national partners and FAO technical Project Task Force; - Responsible for the preparation and presentation of semi-annual, annual and final (technical-financial) reports of the project, following the established formats and according to the expected dates. - Inform the Project Steering Committee (PSC), the LTO and FAO of any technical bottlenecks, delays and difficulties that arise during implementation to ensure timely corrective action and support. Discuss and find the best technical solutions for unexpected challenges; - Ensure a close relationship and collaboration on project activities with other relevant regional and binational activities and partners. - Contribute to the effective dissemination of lessons learned at the national and regional levels, and; - Perform other duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

- University degree in agronomy science, economy, rural development, biology, natural resources management, environmental management, international cooperation or related matters. - Post-graduate degree is desirable in project management, rural development, water management, planning or related matters. - Overall professional experience of 8 years in the environmental field and/or rural development. - Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of Spanish and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of English. Working knowledge of Portuguese is highly desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

- Work experience in international environments and implementing a gender approach. - Experience in binational processes for creation and/or strengthening of binational governance. - Knowledge in integrated water resources management - Knowledge of the context of the Merín Lagoon Basin or watershed management in this region is desirable. - Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating large-scale projects, workshop facilitation and coordination of multidisciplinary teams. - Experience of interaction with government agencies or entities at central and/or local level and carry out adequate inter-institutional coordination. - Knowledge of the institutionality or regulatory framework of the integrated water resources management in at least one of the project countries. - Demonstrated ability for analysis, synthesis and writing to generate high quality knowledge documents/publications and communication instruments. - Ability to plan, foresee risks and establish targets within his/her area of responsibility; and to contribute to the targets and objectives of the team and work group. - Ability to manage and develop activities through technological platforms for virtual communication and remote work environments. - Availability to travel within the participating countries to the areas where the project will be implemented.

Selection Criteria

- Demonstrated experience in technical implementation, management, and oversight of the project