National Project Coordinator

Overview

Lead project coordination and management for agrifood systems.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Studies, Public Administration, Project Management, Economics, Rural Development, Social Sciences, International Development, Environmental or Climate Change Studies, or related disciplines.
• At least 9 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in managing and coordinating complex multi-stakeholder development project/s.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English.
• A national of the Philippines.

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: (iv) 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) position 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.

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 main purpose of this Call for Expressions of Interest is to build up a local pool of qualified applicants for the position of Project Coordinator, to be assigned in the FAO Representation Office or in FAO project offices in the Philippines.

The position is located in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

Provide senior-level strategic leadership and overall coordination for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management of complex project activities, ensuring alignment with FAO priorities, approved work plans, budgets, donor requirements, and national development priorities. The role provides high-level technical and managerial guidance to project teams, partners, and stakeholders; oversees budget and resource utilization; assures the quality and coherence of technical outputs; and supports project development, partnership building, risk management, and results-based reporting.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of the project, ensuring the timely and effective achievement of project objectives, outputs, and outcomes in accordance with approved work plans, budgets, donor agreements, and FAO policies and procedures. • Lead the overall implementation of project activities, including preparation and monitoring of budgets, development and execution of Project Implementation Plans and Procurement Plans, and effective utilization of project resources. • Establish, update, and monitor time-phased work plans, ensuring alignment with project objectives, deliverables, milestones, and donor requirements, and taking corrective action as necessary to address implementation delays or bottlenecks. • Oversee project personnel, consultants, service providers, and implementing partners, ensuring effective performance management, coordination, accountability, and delivery of assigned outputs. • Lead project budget management and procurement oversight, ensuring expenditures, contractual arrangements, procurement activities, and resource allocations are timely, efficient, and fully compliant with FAO rules and procedures. • Lead the application of agreed selection criteria for project sites, priority areas, and beneficiaries, in consultation with government counterparts and other stakeholders, ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and compliance with approved project frameworks. • Establish and maintain effective institutional partnerships and stakeholder relationships, including government agencies, donors, UN agencies, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and beneficiary groups, to facilitate successful project implementation and sustainability. • Lead stakeholder consultations, technical discussions, and coordination mechanisms related to project implementation, value chain development, capacity building, policy dialogue, and other technical areas relevant to the project. • Ensure the design, delivery, and quality assurance of capacity development interventions, including training programmes, technical materials, concept notes, starter kits, knowledge products, and learning activities, in collaboration with technical specialists and government counterparts. • Direct and oversee the organization and documentation of trainings, technical working group meetings, workshops, planning sessions, and other project events, ensuring quality outputs, timely follow-up, and appropriate stakeholder participation. • Maintain and regularly update project monitoring, reporting, and results management systems, including tracking progress against indicators, outputs, outcomes, risks, and work plans, and ensuring the availability of reliable data for decision-making. • Identify, assess, and manage operational, fiduciary, financial, environmental, social, security, and implementation risks, and proactively develop mitigation measures to ensure uninterrupted project delivery. • Serve as focal point for project governance mechanisms, including Project Steering Committees, Project Task Forces, technical working groups, and other oversight bodies, ensuring timely reporting, coordination, and implementation of decisions and recommendations. • Prepare and submit high-quality progress reports, analytical updates, briefing materials, and management reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission to FAO management and resource partners. • Lead donor reporting, communication, visibility, and knowledge management activities, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and FAO standards, and overseeing the preparation of communication and visibility products, including web content, social media materials, photos, videos, publications, and press releases. • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with donors and development partners, providing timely updates, coordinating donor missions, and ensuring fulfilment of reporting and accountability commitments. • Lead project development and resource mobilization efforts, including identification of scaling-up opportunities, preparation of concept notes and project proposals, and coordination with FAO technical, regional, and headquarters teams. • Oversee recruitment and mobilization of project personnel and consultants, in coordination with relevant FAO units, ensuring timely deployment of qualified personnel to support project implementation. • Represent FAO and the project in technical, sectoral, inter-agency, donor, and government coordination meetings, promoting project objectives and strengthening partnerships. • Foster a high-performing and collaborative project team environment, promoting accountability, inclusion, innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. • Lead project closure planning and implementation, including completion of technical, operational, financial, procurement, reporting, archival, and knowledge management requirements, and preparation of project terminal reports and lessons learned. • Prepare and submit an end-of-assignment report, documenting achievements, lessons learned, best practices, recommendations, and follow-up actions in accordance with FAO requirements. • Perform other related duties within the incumbent's area of competence as may be assigned by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Studies, Public Administration, Project Management, Economics, Rural Development, Social Sciences, International Development, Environmental or Climate Change Studies, or related disciplines. Demonstrated academic or professional exposure to conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding approaches is an advantage for programmes operating in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. • At least 9 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in managing and coordinating complex multi-stakeholder development project/s, including strategic planning and implementation in agriculture and rural development, and working with government counterparts and international development partners. Proven experience in peacebuilding and the application of conflict-sensitive approaches is an advantage for programmes operating in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. • Working knowledge (Level C) of English • A national of the Philippines.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments • In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting • Excellent leadership and communication skills. • Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices. • General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

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 7 days ago - Updated 9 hours ago - Source: fao.org