Project Manager (PROACT)

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Yemen is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities in Yemen. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. FAO country offices assist governments to develop 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.

This position will be based in Sana’a, Yemen. An alternative work modality may be possible (including working remotely) until when the COVID -19 situation allows for return to normalcy.

Reporting Lines

The Project Manager (PROACT) works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Head of Programmes, and the functional guidance of the Lead Technical Officer for the Global Network Against Food Crises Partnership Programme, the Project Manager (PROACT) will coordinate the implementation FAO’s resilience intervention in Yemen in close liaison with WFP and UNICEF. The incumbent is also required to exercise a strong collaboration and coordination with the Units of FAO in country and the Project Partners.

Technical Focus

Implementation, development and monitoring of the FAO Yemen-funded programme on “Resilience – PROACT II”.

Tasks and Responsibilities

PSA and consultants:

• Provide technical leadership assistance on the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; assist in the review of relevant documents and reports; identify priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies follow-up actions;
• Coordinate programme-related activities and review the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies;
• Contribute to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations;
• Participate in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;
• Provide advice regarding the development of policies and strategies, as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.
• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programmes/projects.

Consultants:

• Supervise the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications;
• Lead the overall project management and implementation, and ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with (i) its objectives as set out in the project documents and agreement with the donor; and (ii) ensures coordination with participating agencies;
• Lead and participate in the technical work of the project and coordinate the development of the project monitoring and evaluation (M-E) framework and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, to support the planning, implementation and delivery of the project activities;
• Organize capacity development opportunities for the different project stakeholders, including through the development of training modules and workshops in the technical focus areas, in collaboration with participating UN Agencies and the local implementation partners and consultants;
• Support FAO's effort to mainstream nutrition-sensitive agriculture practices, including providing technical advice to country stakeholders on the subject matter;
• Contribute awareness raising and visibility of the project, ensures stakeholders engagement and supports the resource mobilization efforts for the project and FAO;
• Liaise with local governments, FAO and participating UN Agencies where the project will be implemented for the efficient implementation of the project;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, economics, social science or related field;
• Seven years of relevant experience in management and coordination of food security, resilience, and rural development programs, or related area; A minimum of five years of experience in managing a multidisciplinary field team;
• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish (for PSA) and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for consultants).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Expertise in management of food security, resilience, and rural development projects, or related area;
• Relevant experience in programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation;
• Extent of relevant experience with internationally funded projects.
• Extend working experience in a complex, international, geographically dispersed, with inter-disciplinary team environment.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;
• Extent and relevance of experience in conflict analysis methodologies, do not harm approach and program management in protracted crisis areas;
• Good communication, analytical and writing skills;
• Extent of knowledge of planning and budgetary processes and associated tools;
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset;
• Willingness and ability to travel to remote, rural locations, Team player

Selection Criteria

• Relevant experience in the United Nations system;
• Experience in the implementation of EU funded projects and knowledge of EU project management rules and regulations;
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset;
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;