National Project Personnel - Project Coordination

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO helps developing countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture including livestock, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all. Upon request from the Government of Botswana, the FAO has provided technical assistance for the execution of the project UTF/BOT/012/BOT “Technical Support for Land Degradation Assessment, Monitoring and Development of Restoration Strategy”.

The National Coordinator will be based in Gaborone and will oversee the implementation of activities under the above mentioned project while also providing support to portfolio of projects under the environmental programme of FAO Botswana.

Reporting Lines

The National Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and direct technical supervision of the SFS Forestry Officer and close collaboration with Assistant FAO Representative for Programme. He/she will report to the FAO Representative Office as well as to the technical team at the Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa and Headquarters.

The National Coordinator will work in close collaboration with the relevant ministries and institutions and with relevant UN agencies.

Technical Focus

1. Capacity building trainings for local government’s institutions on land degradation assessment tools and methodology

2. Assessment of land degradation

3. Policy dialogue across line ministries on land degradation monitoring options ensuring accuracy and sustainability of international reporting

4. Development of land restauration strategy

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Coordinator will be responsible to carry out the following tasks:

• Assume overall technical responsibility for the smooth implementation of the activities in accordance with the project documents and the TOR;
• Prepare and submit inception reports with plan of actions and timetable as well as tools of the implementation (how the projects will be implemented and how various aspects will be considered);
• Coordinate with the professional staff in FAO Botswana, FAO SFS, and HQ involved in the implementation of the project, assist with the work plan and development of the programme activities and coordinate actions through regular exchanges, knowledge management, and capacity building activities;
• Manage the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the project activities, including organizing workshops, trainings and periodic meetings; liaising with national and local governments, UN agencies and other stakeholders; fostering partnerships and overseeing the process of policy dialogue;
• Coordinate the development and roll-out of studies, capacity development tools, inputs provision and training activities including liaising with the service providers, reviewing reports and providing technical support on natural resources management and climate change programme of FAO Botswana;
• Contribute to the development of information and communication materials of the project, and coordinate knowledge management activities to guarantee adequate access to information for all relevant stakeholders through different communication means;
• Coordinate and assist the missions, trainings and virtual/in-person consultations conducted by international consultants and FAO staff by processing the administrative procedures and coordination with relevant governmental agencies, UN agencies and national stakeholders;
• Prepare and submit reports on progress of sub programme’s implementation at national level as well as the final report;
• Collaborate with other existing agricultural development and social-economic programmes relevant to the natural resources management and climate change aspects that may bring collaborations and partnerships;
• Support resource mobilization efforts, including preparation of concept notes.
• Perform duties as advised by the Budget Holder and the Lead Technical Officer in relation to the achievement of the project objectives.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Republic of Botswana
• An advanced University Degree in Natural Resource Management or related fields
• At least ten years of work experience on natural resources management and rural development
• Fluent in both English and Setswana, knowledge of other language used in Botswana is considered an asset

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• The expert shall have competency and demonstrated practical relevant experience in natural resources management and rural development.
• In particular, the National Coordinator should have experience in supporting policy processes, multi-stakeholders dialogue and delivery of field activities in the areas of natural resources management, environmental protection and rural development
• Familiarity with institutional setting and mandates of relevant national institutions

Selection Criteria

• Extent of relevant technical experience in the areas related.
• Ability to manage and work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Proven experience in policy support and project management in the areas of natural resources management and conservation, rural development and agriculture.
• High degree of team ethic, well-organized, result focused and dynamic personality.
• Previous experience of working with UN agencies is an asset.
• Proven experience in policy assistance and/or programme management in the areas of migration, gender, rural development and agriculture
• Good project planning, implementation, reporting and monitoring skills
• Proven skills on supporting policy dialogue, multi-stakeholder processes and the delivery of the field level activities including trainings and design of training curriculum
• Good knowledge of institutions dealing with natural resources management and conservation, land management and mapping
• Good communication, reporting and presentation 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
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/