Project Coordinator
Coordinate and manage the implementation of the Joint Programme across activities effectively.
Overview
Coordinate and manage the implementation of the Joint Programme across activities effectively.
You have:
- Advanced degree in Project Management, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum five years of experience in project management of multi-stakeholder programs nationally and/or within the region, preferably in climate change or sustainable development.
- Working knowledge of English
- National of Trinidad and Tobago
Organizational Setting
The Joint Program (JP) by UNDP and FAO in Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) aims to accelerate the country’s transition to NDC 3.0 and its Just Transition to renewable energy. This intervention will update and strengthen TTO’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation and Financial Investment Plans, aligning them with TTO’s enhanced commitments under the Paris Agreement. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, the JP will reform policies, mobilize resources, and build capacities to drive climate resilience and sustainable development, focusing on a just energy transition across all sectors, including agriculture.
Key outcomes include strengthened NDC plans that are more aligned with National and International Climate Goals, mechanisms that attract private investments, and enhanced capacities of institutions and stakeholders to inclusively implement NDC 3.0. Under (UNDP) outputs include a updated, more comprehensive, relevant, and actionable NDC, and under FAO, an Addendum to the NDC with actionable steps for energy in AFOLU inclusion, accompanied by a methodology designed to: 1. Guide the national consultant in conducting capacity building activities aimed at stakeholders; and 2. Provide foundational building blocks for the effective development of the sector related to energy within the AFOLU as part of a full-fledged project. Both FAO and UNDP will engage stakeholders in capacity development under Output 3 of the project Document. These outputs will contribute to TTO’s climate goals by creating a robust framework for policy reform, leveraging financial mechanisms to attract domestic and international investment in renewable energy, and ensuring an equitable transition, particularly for vulnerable communities dependent on fossil fuels.
Supporting SDG transitions in energy access (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and decent jobs (SDG 8), the JP will advance TTO’s Vision 2030 development priorities, positioning the country as a leader among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in climate action. The JP will also enable "engine room" actions by building the necessary technical and institutional capacities to drive the NDC 3.0 process, ensuring sustainable and resilient development.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname (a.i.) or their designate, the supervision of the UNDP Resident Representative in Trinidad and Tobago or their designate, with whom FAO is undertaking the Joint Programme on NDC 3.0 Implementation and Just Energy Transition, and in coordination with Focal Points in the United Nations Joint Programme Team and the National Designated Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (Ministry of Planning and Development), the Project Coordinator (PC) will coordinate the implementation of the Joint Programme (JP), ensuring timely delivery of outputs, adherence to budgets, and effective engagement with stakeholders. The role includes oversight of affiliate workforce, development of programme communications, and collaboration with UN communications teams.
Technical Focus
In the general context of the UNJP, the incumbent will be responsible for coordination of the UNJP across project activities to support synergies and reduce duplication of efforts as well as, providing oversight of the work of affiliate workforce to support timely implementation. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring the UNJP budgets to ensure expenditure in line with workplans, strengthening communications and stakeholder engagement across all activities under the UNJP, and monitoring and reporting on work plan activities on the identified platforms.
Tasks and responsibilities
Programme Coordination and Management
• Coordinate the gathering and defining of stakeholder requirements alongside project team and key stakeholders. • Oversee the implementation of JP activities to achieve intended objectives. • Develop and maintain project documentation including project requirements, work plans, schedules, and timelines. • Coordinate events with UNDP, FAO, and relevant government ministries and agencies. • Ensure alignment of project with national priorities and global climate targets. • Support stakeholder mobilization for project activities.
Affiliate Workforce Management
• Develop Terms of Reference (TOR) for hiring affiliate workforce. • Facilitate procurement processes for affiliate workforce. • Supervise affiliate workforce to ensure high-quality technical outputs.
Budget and Financial Oversight
• Manage the JP’s budget, ensuring cost-effective disbursement. • Track financial expenditures and prepare financial reports for submission to stakeholders.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
• Work collaboratively across agencies to support effective communication and stakeholder management. • Collaborate with UNDP, FAO, and the Joint SDG Fund Secretariat's communications officers to develop promotional materials and social media content. • Foster stakeholder engagement through workshops, meetings, and outreach activities. • Create and disseminate quarterly newsletters, press releases, and programme updates.
Monitoring and Reporting
• Organize, coordinate and chair scheduled and ad hoc project meetings with key stakeholders including project initiation and closure meetings. • Develop monitoring frameworks and track programme progress/variances against work plans. • Prepare quarterly progress reports and submit them to the JP Steering Committee. • Document and address risks and challenges promptly to ensure smooth programme implementation. • Document lessons learnt, successes and challenges.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced degree in Project Management, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a related field. • Minimum five years of experience in project management of multi-stakeholder programs nationally and/or within the region, preferably in climate change or sustainable development. • Working knowledge of English • National of Trinidad and Tobago
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focused • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Experience in Strategic Project Management • Experience in Programme planning and Integration • Experience in Team Leadership and Resource Management • Experience in Project Planning and Scheduling • Experience in Risk and Issues Management • Experience in Budgeting and Cost Management • Experience in Stakeholder Management and Communication • Proven expertise in financial management and budget oversight, preferably with knowledge of UN financial systems (e.g., Quantum, Umoja, FPMIS). • Experience working with UN agencies or similar international organizations would be an asset • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Familiarity with communications and public outreach, including social media content creation will be an asset.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- 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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex project involving multiple stakeholders? | This question assesses your experience and ability to handle complexities in project management. | Provide specific examples of how you navigated relationships and managed differing priorities successfully. |
| How do you approach budgeting for a project with diverse funding sources? | The interviewer wants to understand your financial management skills and ability to ensure cost-effective disbursement. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you had to engage stakeholders who were initially resistant to project goals. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to monitor performance and progress in a project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you've contributed to capacity building within a team or organization? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |