National Project Coordinator

Overview

Support the implementation of the EU funded project on Palm Oil value chain development.

You have:

• Minimum master’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, natural resources management, Social Science and development studies or any other related field
• At least five years’ experience in agricultural livelihood project management with special emphasis on crop production and agronomy
• Working knowledge is English required. Experience working in project locations is considered an added advantage
• National of Sierra Leone

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation into 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 FAO Sierra Leone Country Office is responsible for leading FAO's response to country level priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Sub-regional Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to country priorities and the implementation of the Organization's strategies through programmes and projects across the region. The Country Office supports the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects, including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at the country level and work with Subregional office for West Africa on corporate priorities such as the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget. The Country Office leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization's programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.

FAO Sierra Leone has developed a project on Palm Oil value chain development for three years that is contributing to the developed action document aligned to the Feed Salone strategy titled Sustainable Food and Agricultural Value Chains Development in Sierra Leone (SFAVCDSL) to be Financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI Global Europe). This action document is linked to relevant Multiannual Indicative Programme for the Republic of Sierra Leone 2021-2027 (MIP). The total funding for the plan is estimated to be Euro 34.7million million out of which Euro 11.2 million will be administered by the FAO for technical assistance to support oil palm value chains and nutrition in the country. This initiative is a joint effort of EU and FAO building on complementarities and synergies of the interventions by the two organizations.

It is suggested that at least 43000 farm families will benefit directly within the selected 4 districts of Port Loko, Bonthe, Pujehun and Kenema. The specific activities to be implemented by FAO will include: (i) dissemination of good agricultural practices; (ii) adoption of improved farm practices for increased farm productivity; (iii)training in post-harvest management and palm oil processing; (iv) household nutrition improvement; (iii) promotion of on and off-farm employment; (iv) formation of oil palm based cooperatives and (v) capacity development for monitoring and evaluation

Sierra Leone Country Office is looking for National Project Coordinator to support the implementation of this project. The position is in the FAO Sierra Leone Country Office, West Africa region.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone.

Technical Focus Support the EU funded project management through directly assisting the BH in carrying out project coordination that contributes to the overall impact of the project in terms of monitoring, reporting and backstopping responsibilities of the project at local level.

Tasks and responsibilities

Within the functional and administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, the direct supervision of the EU Palm Oil project Chief Agronomist in Sierra Leone, and in close collaboration with the Head of Programme and other technical units, administrative units, the National Project Coordinator will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the Chief Agronomist to ensure the project implementation and monitoring by leading the preparation and implementation of a detailed Annual Work Plan and budget, • Coordinate with partners the day-to-day activities related to the management and implementation of the Project, including procurement, project monitoring and evaluation, financial management, progress and financial reporting and share feedback with the task force, • Closely work with the International Operations Specialist to monitor the implementation of the project to avoid delays, underspending and overspending. • Coordinate and timely compile and submit project quarterly, six monthly and terminal reports to the Chief Agronomist and Head of Programme for review before LTO clearance, • Coordinate the field level operations with MAFS, Service providers, other partners and ensure timely delivery of projects activities. • Coordinate trainings including FFS and support the process of building the capacities of community farmers. • Work with the M&E to develop and implement a system for monitoring and evaluating project deliverables and progress. • Work with the task force to identify potential risks that may affect project results and apply mitigation strategies. • Draft ToRs for the engagement of consultants, other service providers and share with task force for review and clarence, • Assist in developing and/or contribute to the development of materials, including for communication, training and knowledge development, • Set up and facilitate the Palm Oil Apex coordinating structure at all levels, • Coordinate the quarterly field missions as agreed in the project document, • Work with relevant technical units to develop procurement technical specifications and share with the project team lead and the task force for review and clearance, • Represents FAO in the project steering committee meetings where necessary, • Perform other tasks requested by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum master’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, natural resources management, Social Science and development studies or any other related field • At least five years’ experience in agricultural livelihood project management with special emphasis on crop production and agronomy • Working knowledge is English required. Experience working in project locations is considered an added advantage • National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: fao.org