Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which aims to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization assists governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition. FAO operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a focus on enhancing agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors while promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources. The FAO country offices are headed by an FAO Representative and work closely with local governments and stakeholders to implement various initiatives, including projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in the implementation of the GEF8 project titled 'Resilient Communities, Land Restoration, and Sustainable Ecosystems Management in Central and Southern Zambia.' This project aims to enhance climate change adaptation in local communities, reduce land degradation, and promote biodiversity conservation through an integrated approach to natural resource management. The Project Coordinator will provide technical guidance to the operational partner executing the project and will work closely with the FAO Representation in Zambia to ensure that the project aligns with the priorities set forth in the FAO Zambia’s Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2023-202

• The role involves coordinating and supporting the implementation of the GEF8 projects, contributing to the formulation of new project proposals, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and civil society organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: providing general guidance and technical leadership for the GEF8 project; supporting the FAO Representative in managing the Operational Partnership Agreement; developing and strengthening operational partnership implementation capacity through training and workshops; ensuring quality control of partners' work plans and reports; coordinating with FAO Sub-regional and Regional Offices; engaging with government and stakeholders at various levels; contributing to policy processes related to climate change and sustainable resource management; coordinating ongoing climate change-related projects; formulating new project proposals; organizing policy dialogues and workshops; preparing plans for project reviews and monitoring; drafting written outputs on climate change topics; providing technical inputs for communication products; collecting and consolidating climate-related data; acting as the country focal point for climate change; preparing policy briefs and assessments; and mobilizing resources from climate financing windows.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Environmental Management, Climate Change, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, or related fields. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in environmental projects, climate change, or sustainable agriculture/development is required. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English and be nationals of Zambia. Familiarity with government processes and policies relevant to sustainable natural resource management, proven capacity for fieldwork, excellent planning and communication skills, experience with stakeholder engagement, and knowledge of GEF projects or climate change initiatives are also essential qualifications.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Management, Climate Change, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or Agriculture. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by an accredited institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The role requires at least 10 years of professional experience in environmental-related projects, climate change, or sustainable agriculture/development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles and demonstrate the ability to manage complex projects effectively.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The appointment is subject to security clearances. For further employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.