Project Coordination & Partnership Specialist - SADFONS

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are 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 develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

FAO Liberia is providing technical assistance to the implementation of a Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)-led, Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP)-funded, and African Development Bank (AfDB)-supported project in Liberia. The Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) project seeks to improve food and nutrition security and reduce poverty of targeted rural populations in Liberia. This will be achieved through (i) increased agricultural productivity and production of smallholder farmers (with a focus on food crops such as rice, cassava, and vegetables), (ii) improved smallholders’ value addition, market access and income, and (iii) strengthening the capacity of the government institutions, farmers and producer organizations. The Project area covers five counties over a four-year period..

To lead the FAO’s engagements and delivery of programmatic outputs, which is centered on providing technical assistance through Farmers Field School (FFS) support, including engagements with the Ministry of Agriculture, lead farmers and private sector for service provisions, FAO Liberia seeks the services of a Project Coordination and Partnership Specialist. S/he will work fulltime and lead all aspects relevant to the achievements of the objectives of the programme components led by FAO, and support the MoA team, through the National Coordination Office (NCO), towards overall achievement of the project’s objectives.

The project consists of three components, namely:

(i) Support smallholder agricultural productivity and market access; (ii) Institutional Strengthening and Capacity building and (iii) Project management and coordination.

In addition, s/he will support the FAO Country Office by backstopping the Assistant FAOR for Programme in coordinating technical assistance activities with the Ministry of Agriculture. Programmatic activities, initiatives, and technical assistance in crop resource and livestock development will be coordinated by the incumbent. S/he will provide coordination for the overall policy support, programme development, and partnership strengthening efforts FAO will provide to the MoA.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Liberia and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, the Project Coordination & Partnership Specialist, liaising with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and other technical officers of supporting thematic units, other relevant colleagues at the country, sub-regional, regional and headquartered offices, will undertake the tasks outlined below.

Technical Focus

The Project Coordination & Partnership Specialist, working with the MoA/NCO, will be responsible for the management and implementation of the project activities in accordance with the work plan and budget and supporting processes related to the national agricultural investment programme (NAIP).

Tasks and Responsibilities

The incumbent will undertake the following:

Project Coordination

• Prepare annual work plans/budgets and submit for consideration and approval • Support the hiring of national and international consultants for delivery of specific aspects of the FAO-led activities • Liaise with relevant FAO units (country office, sub-regional, regional, and headquartered) to lead from FAO’s angle, the implementation of all activities, including: o Instituting FFS master trainers in Liberia and ensuring it joins the global FFS community of practice; o Liaising with other donors to send trainees to the FFS Master Trainer training at their own cost (i.e. up to 20 additional trainees) • Provide technical support to the MoA and key government partners responding to specific technical assistance requests and needs, including, but not limited to backstopping national processes and providing trainings and workshops; • Facilitate program activity planning, logistics, implementation and reporting; • Work closely with MoA/NCO and decentralized (CACs, DAOs) staff to ensure mobilization of and support to lead farmers to achieve programme results • Lead the preparation of annual (further disaggregated per quarter) procurement, HR and travel plans • Lead the preparation of (narrative) reports and support the drafting of financial updates/reports • Support the preparation of annual M&E plans; • Undertake required field missions and ensure timely submission of back-to-office reports • Support the preparation, signing/contracting, and monitoring of the implementation contracts and MoUs under the projects • Support the development of communication products key to ensuring FAO, MoA, partner and donor visibility at all levels • Ensure that all cross-cutting – including M&E, Communications, Agronomic, Policy, Operational, Finance, HR/Travel, Procurement and Logistical – support services are obtained as required

Partnership Strengthening

• Lead FAO’s support to the Ministry and partners on development/sectorial planning, programme development, and resource mobilization efforts • Support the development of programme concept notes and proposals for new programs and attracting investments in sustainable agricultural production and farmers’ productivity; • Support the Programme Unit and Country Team in other areas as required relevant to development planning, programme development, and partnership strengthening • Support the AFAOR with representation of the country office at technical and partner meetings at national and international forums • Perform other duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of a Master Degree in International Development, Programme Management, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences or related field in the social and natural sciences. • At least 5-years’ experience in partnerships building, project coordination, and implementation and programme delivery, in the agricultural spheres • Working knowledge of English • National of Liberia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated result based management capabilities with an ability to manage programme budgets and human resources • Knowledge of core technical and policy issues pertinent to farmers’ production and productivity; • Experience working with international partners or donors preferred, with a strong preference to candidates with prior experience working with or towards developing GAFSP/WB or AfDB-funded interventions; • Demonstrated ability to provide technical coordination and leadership with a broad range of interested parties, across cultures, languages, and varying capacity levels; • Experience working with national governmental technical agencies, civil society organizations, and other international technical partners (preferred); • Strong program management and organizational skills including concept note development and donor reporting; • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and database management (required) and GIS (preferred); • Experience working in the field with rural communities and local government authorities for potentially extended periods • Ability and willingness to travel extensively in support of programme implementation • Knowledge in research, analysis and programme development • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential • Excellent communication, networking, written and presentation skills. • Familiar with United Nations System and/or FAO’s programming mechanisms

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.