National Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's Subregional Office for West Africa focuses on developing and implementing strategies to address agri-food systems and rural development priorities in the region, collaborating with various institutions and stakeholders to enhance food security and agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation and coordination of a GCF-funded project aimed at managing climate risks in key sectors in Sierra Leone. This three-year project focuses on assessing climate stresses, engaging stakeholders, and developing a comprehensive National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The NPC will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, ensuring transparency and accountability, and leading planning efforts. The role requires effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners, to facilitate project implementation and achieve desired outcomes. The NPC will also be tasked with reporting project results to key stakeholders and ensuring adherence to FAO and GCF monitoring and evaluation requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: managing the day-to-day operations of the project, overseeing planning and implementation, ensuring effective coordination among stakeholders, managing project budgets, preparing progress and financial reports, supporting local capacity development for climate change adaptation, facilitating communication among project stakeholders, developing annual work plans, serving as Secretary to the Project Steering Committee, liaising with the Project Management Unit, preparing Terms of Reference for consultants, monitoring procurement and distribution of project resources, leading communication efforts related to the project, organizing assessments and workshops, and providing technical guidance to project staff and partners. The NPC will also ensure compliance with FAO standards and guidelines in all project communications and activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in environment, climate change, or natural resource management, along with at least five years of experience in project management and implementation related to the environment, forestry, or climate change. A working knowledge of English is required, and candidates must be nationals of Sierra Leone. The role demands strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize data, and experience in stakeholder management and financial accountability. Familiarity with climate change adaptation strategies and policies is essential, as well as experience in coordinating climate change projects or programs.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as environment, climate change, natural resource management, or land governance is required. Additional qualifications from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) are necessary for consideration. Candidates with further education or certifications related to climate change or project management may have an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in project management and implementation, particularly in areas related to climate change, environmental management, or forestry. Candidates should have significant experience in leading project teams, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with monitoring and evaluation standards. Previous work experience with UN or international organizations is considered an asset, as is experience in organizing workshops and facilitating inter-institutional dialogues.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or stakeholders involved in the project.

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 will also be subject to security clearances. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities.