Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) Representation in Egypt, which is headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the Government of Egypt to develop policies, programmes and projects to improve food security and nutrition, promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce rural poverty, develop inclusive agri-food systems and strengthen livelihood resilience – in line with the Organization’s Strategic Objectives and United Nations’ global and Government of Egypt’s national Sustainable Development Goals.

FAO is planning to implement a project titled “Enhancement of Agricultural Productivity" OSRO/EGY/041/JPN, is an emergency project supported by the Government of Japan. The project would help vulnerable agricultural households in Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta regions of Egypt, which are threatened by crises, climate change, and insufficient water supplies, become more resilient and less dependent on government assistance. This contribution will be made by enhancing the use of water for farming, increasing agricultural production for smallholder farmers, increasing incomes, and providing impoverished rural households with economic opportunities. The project will work towards achieving increased crop yields per unit of irrigation water used over time and improving food security and income generation in selected Haya Karima villages of Minya, Qena, and Kafr El Sheikh Governorates through the upscaling of tested and validated modern irrigation technologies (such as solar-powered pumps and hybrid (low energy drip and/or sprinkler) irrigation systems), climate-smart water management (CSWM) practices, and good agricultural practice (GAP) principles.

The position is located in the FAO Office in Cairo, Egypt.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative in Egypt, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative in Egypt, the technical supervision of the Senior Water Resources Management Officer, FAO-SNG, and the overall technical guidance of the Senior Land and Water Officer, FAO-RNE, and in close collaboration with the FAO country office and project personnel, as well as Government counterparts and all stakeholders, the incumbent will lead the implementation of the project, according to its work plan, in the governorates of Menia, Qena, and Kafr El Sheikh.

Technical Focus

Supporting FAO’s Representation to increase crop yields per unit of irrigation water used over time and improving food security and income generation in selected Haya Karima villages of Minya, Qena, and Kafr El Sheikh governorates through the upscaling of tested and validated modern irrigation

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for managing the implementation of water management activities of the project. He/she will work closely with project beneficiaries, local and international partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the project's objectives are met. The specific TOR (terms of reference) include:

• Oversee the development, management, implementation and administration of all project activities, including relevant work plans and budgets (e.g. operations, procurement, recruitment and travel) and co-ordination and relationships with implementing partners, service providers and suppliers while ensuring adherence with FAO policies and procedures. • Develop and implement a water management strategy for the project, including the design and implementation of irrigation systems, and other water management interventions. • Contribute to the organisation and report of the project including, project inception, mid-term review and (any), assessment and evaluation missions, including field visits and stakeholder workshops. • Guide and provide quality assurance for inputs from project team members and collate, prepare and submit regular progress reports to the FAO Representation in Egypt as required by the project work plan • Establish and maintain professional relationships and communication lines with relevant government offices and representatives, non-government organisations and other United Nations’ agencies, liaising closely with relevant project stakeholders, managing communications and organising and facilitating meetings as needed. • Support the work of project team members, coordinate their inputs and monitor their performance in line with FAO policy and procedures. • Coordinate conduct of a needs assessment of project beneficiaries to determine their water management needs and develop plans to address these needs. • Coordinate the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, and other water management interventions, including pumps, and other necessary components. • Provide technical support and training to project beneficiaries on the operation and maintenance of water management systems. • Develop and implement a system for monitoring and evaluating the performance of water management systems and their impact on project beneficiaries. • Coordinate with local partners and government agencies to ensure the sustainability of water management systems beyond the life of the project. • Prepare regular reports on water management activities and contribute to the development of project proposals and other project-related documents. • Support the project management team in developing and implementing strategies to increase the project's impact and sustainability. • Undertake regular duty travel as needed and perform other related duties as required by the FAOR and LTO • Prepare an end of assignment report for approval of the FAOR and FAO’s Lead Technical Officer for the Project

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in water resources management, irrigation engineering, agriculture or related fields • 5 years of relevant experience in designing and managing water and irrigation management projects, including the design and installation of irrigation systems structures. • Working knowledge of English and Arabic languages. • National of Egypt or a legal resident in the country.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building effective relationships • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions throughout Egypt. • Extent and relevance of experience in the formulation, analysis, planning, and management of projects related to the sustainable development of smallholder agriculture. • Management and coordination of water and agriculture related teams and projects • Computer literacy in standard office software and proficiency in project management tools and software • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of the group-based, market-led and participatory approach to agricultural extension and adult learning, i.e. “FFS methodology for adaptive research and participatory learning”. • Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong 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.