National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, and through four Betters (Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life) and leaving no one behind.

FAO, through the DG European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) partnership, developed a regional project for increasing capacities and scale for Anticipatory Action including through Social Protection systems. The project is being implemented in five countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, Lao PDR, Viet Nam. In Lao PDR, in addition to implementing the project with relevant ministries at the national level, the primary targets at the sub-national level are the provinces of Luang Prabang and Savannakhet.

The project has four main objectives: (i) establishing Anticipatory Action Protocols (AAPs) to be tested and documented in close collaboration with humanitarian and national partners; (ii) exploring and studying how Social Protection systems can be adapted to anticipate crises; (iii) implementing anticipatory actions to protect vulnerable livelihoods against shocks; and (iv) gathering evidence, learning and advocacy on the effectiveness of anticipating crises as a key complement to the existing humanitarian response model.

The Anticipatory Action and Shock-Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) is a growing portfolio agenda in the country. Anticipatory Action and SRSP are innovative approaches designed to protect families, their lives, well-being, livelihoods and assets ahead of a hazard. Cash transfers have further been identified as key modalities to be implemented through or beside existing Social Protection mechanisms. Acting before a disaster is crucial – it can safeguard lives and livelihoods, build resilience to future shocks, and ease pressure on strained humanitarian resources. This initiative is supported by several resource partners including the DG ECHO, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator reports to Operations Specialist of FAO in Lao PDR. The Coordinator will work in close collaboration with the Programme Development Specialist, the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) Anticipatory Action and Social Protection & Cash Transfer team.

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator will undertake the overall management of the project, including but not limited to planning, budgeting, implementation and assessment of the project achievements against its objectives. The position holder will ensure a strong coordination and partnership with government institutions and stakeholders as well as the beneficiaries.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day project activities including preparation of the project work-plan, implementation and monitoring the progress of the project implementation. In close collaboration with the International Project Coordinator, ensure high quality & timely delivery of planned project activities in compliance with FAO administrative and financial rules and regulations;
• Coordinate with the government institutions especially the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MoLSW), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) for the implementation of the project.
• Manage and support national consultants, provincial coordinators, field project facilitators, and implementing partners to ensure smooth and coordinated implementation of different activities/outputs of the project;
• With support of project team and international project coordinator, prepare Terms of References to mobilize inputs from consultancies and Letters of Agreement, prepare training packages, and specific FAO technical support needed for the different outputs;
• In collaboration with International Project Coordinator, prepare all required technical reports, project concept notes, proposals and briefing documents and related information.
• In collaboration with the International Project Coordinator, support technical inputs into the Anticipatory Action Protocols by coordinating assessments, validating Early Warning Systems, orchestrate workshops and lead (with the Provincial focal points) community reviews of the tool. Further provide support on assessments and reporting on Social Protection activities.
• Organize the missions of the FAO Representation staff and international consultants and provide translation support to the international consultants during their mission in the target areas as required.
• Ensure the implementation of the communications and visibility plan of the project.
• Contribute to the further development of FAO’s resilience building programme and resource mobilization in Lao PDR.
• Contribute to the preparation of Project Final Report.
• Perform other duties when required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree, or preferably master degree, in social sciences, international development, natural resource management, disaster risk management, social work, humanitarian aid, business administration or other related fields.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience with at least 1 year at the managerial level.
• Have experience working with international organizations including INGOs, bilateral or multi-lateral agencies, and with UN agencies is desirable.
• Good working knowledge of English
• Be Lao Nationals.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong foundation in project formulation, planning, implementation, management, evaluation, and partnership
• Good communication, presentation and reporting skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office package
• Speaking of local language(s) in the areas of projects is an asset.
• Having prior working experience on Anticipatory Action or Social Protection is desirable.

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/