Project Manager

Organizational Setting

FAO’s Coordination Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS) Programme assists the Palestinian Government to formulate and implement policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The incumbent will manage an ongoing project entitled “Reform and Development of Markets, Value Chains and Producers’ Organisations” (GCP/GAZ/014/MUL), which seeks to enable the Palestinian agribusiness to generate better income, trade and welfare following an integrated value chain development approach towards more market-oriented, competitive and profitable agribusiness. The project will intervene in all stages of the value chain to achieve the following four outputs: (i) improved production and productivity (pre-production and production); (ii) improved quality and value addition (post-harvest and transformation); (iii) improved competitiveness and market access (distribution and marketing), and; (iv) improved service delivery and institutional capacities (enabling environment).

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, the direct supervision of the FAO WBGS Head of Programme, and in close collaboration with the Operations Officer, Field Operations Coordinator, Economist and other relevant personnel, the Project Manager will ensure the timely and quality implementation of the project performing specific tasks.

Technical Focus

Timely and quality implementation of project activities ensuring effective delivery of project outputs.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Establish and maintain close collaboration and working arrangements with national/international staff, experts and support personnel and provide day to day supervision and guidance as needed; • Coordinate, update and manage the project workplan, including information on planned deployment of short term expertise and procurement actions, and monitor its implementation consistent with FAO rules and procedures, donor requirements and political/security constraints; • Ensure implementation of and compliance with the established procedure to administer investment support in response to calls for applications; • Keep track of the gender/age/geographical considerations in the outreach activities of the project and lead immediate corrective actions with the project tame and implementing partners to ensure effective and timely participation (with focus on women, youth and target communities in Gaza). • Overview beneficiary selection and follow up processes; • Ensure timely delivery of services by consultants, suppliers, contractors and implementing partners (NGOs and UN organizations); • Maintain effective relationships with project partners and stakeholders; • Organize, and prepare background information for, regular project meetings including those of the Joint Technical Committee and Project Steering Committee; • Prepare project progress reports in line with donor requirements and FAO rules and procedures in a timely manner; • Ensure visibility of project activities in close collaboration with the Reporting and Communications Consultant and donors; • Contribute to the formulation of concept notes and/or project documents for follow up projects. • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Agricultural Sciences or other relevant field. • At least five years of relevant work experience in project management, preferably in the field of agriculture and agribusiness development. • Working knowledge of English Language and limited knowledge of one of the other languages of the organization (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian). For PSA.SBS the working knowledge of only one language is required.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Well versed with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, email applications and ability to conduct Internet-based research. • Ability to travel across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience in project management including work planning, budgeting, implementation and • reporting. • Extent of experience in coordinating and liaising with private sector, national authorities, UN, donors and nongovernmental • national and international organizations. • Demonstrated experience working in complex environments. Work experience in more than one location or area of work, • particularly in field positions is desirable. • Knowledge of international development architecture including the UN System, NGOs etc. is desirable and understanding • of FAO policies and programmes is an asset. • Demonstrated ability to work in a team, and interpersonal skills. • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks.