National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Lao PDR assists the Government to develop policies, programmes and projects to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhancing rural livelihoods, as well as supporting the food and nutrition security and early warning activities responding to increase the resilience of livelihoods to food and agriculture threats and crises.

GCP/LAO/030/ROK Project entitled Building Climate-Resilient and Eco-friendly Agriculture Systems and Livelihoods in Attapeu (Climate REAL) under the Integrated Programme for Climate Resilience and Empowerment in Attapeu Province, Lao PDR is aiming to address the identified gaps and weaknesses in the current agriculture system in Attapeu Province. The project is expected to achieve three outcomes: (1) Climate resilient and eco-friendly agriculture production and agriculture business management improved; (2) Household and community water management and disaster resilience enhanced; and (3) Local government and communities’ capacities for DRM/CCA in the agriculture sector strengthened.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator reports to Project Coordination Specialist of FAO in Lao PDR. The National Project Coordinator will also work in close collaboration with the Provincial Project Coordinator and under the operational guidance of Operational Specialist.

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 detailed annual work-plans, monitoring of the distribution, review of reports/inputs from the service providers and monitoring the progress of the project implementation in collaboration with the project team, the project stakeholders and local authorities; • Coordinate with the government institutions especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) for the implementation of the project; • Manage consultants and implementing partners for project activities, and facilitate interactions between the different partners to ensure smooth and coordinated implementation of different activities/outputs of the project; • Work closely in collaboration with the project team to ensure high quality & timely delivery of planned project activities in compliance with FAO administrative and financial rules and regulations; • Liaise closely with FAO project partners and stakeholders (at center level and provincial level) and ensure general supervision and coordination of project activities as well as smooth implementation of the project field activities; • Lead the organization of national technical meetings, workshops and training sessions related to the project and project meetings with the Government, national partners, UN agencies, donors and other stakeholders; • Guide and support the Provincial Project Coordinator in the organization of provincial and district meetings; • 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; • In collaboration with the supervisor, prepare all required technical reports, project concept notes, proposals and briefing documents and related information; • Ensure the implementation of the communications and visibility plan of the project; • Ensure the revision of the M&E Plan in accordance with the project implementation status and lead the M&E activity planning and implementation in close collaboration with Provincial Project Coordinator; • Lead the identification of resolutions of issues received through the project feedback hotline, and investigated by FAO Field Officers; • Contribute to the preparation of Project Final Report; and • Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in social sciences, international development, natural resource management, disaster risk management, social work, humanitarian aid, business administration or other related fields. • At least 5 years of relevant work experience on project coordination and implementation • 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

• Good foundation in project formulation, planning, implementation, management, evaluation, and partnership • Good communication, presentation and reporting skills • Proficient in Microsoft Office package • Have experience working with international organizations including INGOs, bilateral or multi-lateral agencies, and with UN agencies is desirable. • Speaking of local language(s) in the areas of projects is an asset.

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.