National Project Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO Syria Country Office is to assist government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Assistant Director-General Regional Representative in RNE with the direct supervision of RNE Programme Officer (FAOR Network), in full coordination with the International BLRS NWS Coordinator and the BLRS NWS technical team in Gaziantep, in collaboration with the BLRS team based in Damascus, Syria, the Emergency Programme Specialist based in Gaziantep, the technical programme staff, the Implementing Partners in NWS and in consultation with the relevant Technical Units at FAO Headquarters, RNE and the Lead Technical Officers (LTOs).

Technical Focus

In close consultation with International BLRS NWS Coordinator, the Incumbent is supposed to contribute to: (i) the coordination processes among all stakeholders within NWS and GCA, (ii) the overall implementation of the BLRS programme for the NWS in consultation with all concerned; iii) procurement plans concerning the BLRS programme; iv) review of worplans and lograme as needed related to the BLRS programmel) v) the quarterly donor reports for the NWS portion of the progtramme; vi) information sharing and inputs to communication/visibility material for the BLRS programme as per donor preference and FAO guidelines.

Tasks and responsibilities:

The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the country offices with the following tasks: • Facilitate in coordination with the International BLRS NWS Coordinator and the BLRS NWS technical team in Gaziantep and NWS BLRS project stakeholders the required community consultations and rapid assessment process, and subsequent community consultations to lead to design of BLRS intervention components / activities; • Coordinate with the International BLRS NWS Coordinator and the BLRS NWS technical team in Gaziantep and other units concerned including the BLRS team in Damascus, Syria, concerned technical officers to ensure proper planning and execution of each planned component of the project; • Develop, adapt/improve and implement relevant planning and monitoring tools (in close coordination with the International BLRS NWS Coordinator and the BLRS NWS technical team in Gaziantep ) relating to: Budgeting; Field activities, including workshops, assessments and trainings; Procurement and inventory; Project Staffing; Monthly/periodic reporting; and Work planning; • Carefully monitor and support the implementation of the project work plan to ensure timely implementation of each planned activity in consultation with all concerned, and supervise and contribute to the preparation of reporting documents and their submission to the donor as required in the agreement. • Attend regular programme and operations meetings providing updates as appropriate; • In full coordination with the International BLRS NWS Coordinator and the BLRS NWS technical team in Gaziantep and in consultation with the FAO RNE Procurement Unit, support the selection process for Implementing Partners (under the contractual Letters of Agreement (LoA) modality) including the development (and review of submissions) at Expression of Interest and Call for Proposal stages. Take the lead in preparing relevant Letters of Agreement (LOAs) with Implementing Partners (IPs) including schedule of activities, expected results, and monitor their implementation. • Monitor the implementation of Contracts and Letters of Agreements (LoAs) with implementing partners and provide advice and guidance to goods/service providers; • Collaborate with the Communication Specialist to design and disseminate project specific reports and products and assist with visibility; • In full coordination with the International BLRS NWS Coordinator and the BLRS NWS technical team in Gaziantep, support trainings and workshops and capacity building activities with the Government and key stakeholders; • Undertake travel to project sites for planning, assessment and monitoring purposes; • Ensure that cross cutting issues such as gender, youth and disability considerations are well mainstreamed in the implementation of all activities in consultation with the technical programme team; • Closely liaise with FAO RNE and BLRS team in Damascus in documenting evidence-based impact of FAO interventions in the field (M&E, Reporting and communication, Gender); • Perform any other duties requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• The candidate must at least have a university degree in agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry and fisheries), or related field; • Seven years of relevant experience in managing field projects/activities related technical cooperation's related activities policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture-based livelihoods, agriculture and rural development, fishery, forestry, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes; • Working knowledge of English and Arabic, communication skills and ability to operate under pressure, • National of Syria with Turkish nationality/resident permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevance and extent of experience in implementation of programme/project's related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes and programmes and/or providing technical support and advice on institutional capacity building processes. • Relevance and extent of experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs as well as donors and government institutions and agencies in working with inter-governmental bodies and multi-disciplinary teams. • Proven experience with UN regulations and procedures will be an added advantage. • Experience in rural livelihoods development would be an asset, including field work and data collection. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential. • Good communication, analytical, presentation and reporting skills and an excellent team player. • Familiarity with the agriculture sector in Syria is an asset. • Practical experience supporting the development of farmers’ and farmers’ enterprises, including demonstrating an understanding of agriculture value chains and linkages with markets. • Good interpersonal, collaboration and networking skills.

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.