Joint UN Project National Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The project “Connecting blue economy actors: Generating employment, supporting livelihoods and mobilizing resources” aims at unleashing the potential of the Blue Economy in Cabo Verde as an accelerator of the Sustainable Development Goals and an engine of socio-economic inclusion for the poor coastal communities in the island of Santiago, Cabo Verde, especially women and youth. Its objectives are to increase the income of youth and women in the pilot coastal communities by improving their access to innovation, decent jobs, markets, services and finance; and to foster investments to finance blue economy income-generating projects, in particular impact and diaspora investments.

This two year project will bring together all the UN System knowledge and expertise through the implementing agencies – FAO, UNIDO, OIM and UNDP, as well its capacity as a convening power to connect the different stakeholders of the blue economy, from poor coastal communities to international investors, from local private sector to relevant ministries and public agencies, and to provide the skills and equipment needed to enhance socioeconomic inclusion in a thriving, sustainable and just blue economy. The capacities, equipment and networks installed will allow for: the emergence of new business models in pilot coastal communities, with a higher value added of ocean-based production; a better organization of value chains, including access to markets; and an improved access to credit and investment for producers and small businesses, leveraging new sources of finance such as impact investment and diaspora.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be placed under the general supervision of the FAO Representative Cabo Verde, the technical supervision of the FAO REP - Program Assistant, in close collaboration with the other agencies, the National Directorate for Planning/Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Sea, the Ministry of communities and other relevant stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator (NPC) is responsible for day-to-day project management and regular monitoring of project results and risks.

Tasks and responsibilities

In particular, the NPC will:

• Ensure proper coordination of project interventions and activities to ensure a close collaboration in the deliverables associated with the implementation of the project in a complementary and mutually supportive fashion; • Report regularly to the Lead Agency (FAO), the Resident Coordinator Office and the Project Management Committee composed by FAO, UNIDO, OIM and UNDP; • Report on implementation progress to, and receive overall guidance and direction from, the Project Management Committee; convene regular meetings of the Project Management Committee, prepare supporting presentations and materials, etc; • Ensure as well that synergies are established with other relevant projects in the country; • Ensure that all project activities and consultants involved maintain a high level of transparency, responsibility and accountability in M&E and in reporting of project results, will report, to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and agencies of any delays or difficulties encountered during implementation to ensure that appropriate support and corrective measures can be adopted; • Develop and update joint work plans and reports to support the efficient implementation of the project and will ensure that the project is implemented in full compliance with standard FAO, SDG Fund and SDG in collaboration with implementing partners and other stakeholders, e.g. UN Agencies involved in this JP, national institutions, CSOs, private sector etc; • Oversee and ensure timely submission of the Project Progress/Annual Narrative and Financial Reports and other reports as may be required by the SDG Fund for review and approval; • Establish and maintain good working relations with relevant institutional and organizational partners (e.g. local authorities, civil society, media, other UN bodies etc); • Provide strategic support and steer the realization of the programme components, with particular focus on the programme outcomes; • Lead and manage the project’s Communications Strategy and Outreach component; • Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements; • Support continuous learning by the project teams and ensure dissemination of information and knowledge management within the team for effective project implementation; • Support awareness raising on and mainstreaming of gender equality and human rights principles within project implementation; • During PSC meetings, serve as secretary to ensure that all the decisions made are duly executed to ensure a smooth implementation of the project member of the Project Management Unit; • Any other duties required by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in project management, economics, management and business administration, and human resources or related fields; • At least 5 years of experience in the field of project management and coordination and related fields; • Working knowledge of English or French, good writing skills in English or French;. • Mastery of the Portuguese language, Creole for communication with partners and professionals in the sector; • National of Cabo Verde.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent verbal and writing skills; • Good communication skills with communities and professional organizations in the Blue Economy sector and related fields; • Ability and interest in using computer tools; • Knowledge of the project partner institutions and good knowledge in the field of natural resources management, Blue Economy, climate adaptation programs; • Knowledge and practical experience in the area of strategic planning, civil society engagement, communications and outreach, stakeholder cooperation, and project cycle design, management and implementation; • Knowledge of the UN will be an asset.

Selection Criteria

• Curriculum vitae; • Interview

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.