National 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 aimed at achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition for all. With a membership of 194 states and operations in over 130 countries, including Namibia, FAO plays a crucial role in supporting the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization is dedicated to the 2030 Agenda and aims to improve production, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life, ensuring that no one is left behind. The FAO Country Offices, led by an FAO Representative, assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to combat hunger and malnutrition, while promoting sustainable use of agricultural, fisheries, and forestry resources. Their activities include designing and implementing country-specific field programs, liaising with local donors, and engaging in outreach related to FAO initiatives.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective coordination and provision of technical and operational support for the FAO Representation's program and project activities. Reporting to the FAO Representative and the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), the incumbent will work closely with the Programme team to deliver country-level programs and interventions. A key focus will be on coordinating and supporting the implementation of South-South Cooperation projects, as well as contributing to the formulation and development of new project proposals. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including government ministries, NGOs, and private entities, to ensure the successful design and delivery of projects. The National Project Coordinator will also be responsible for organizing policy dialogues, workshops, and consultation meetings, as well as preparing plans for project reviews and monitoring missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Project Coordinator include providing general guidance and technical leadership for the South-South Cooperation project, ensuring timely achievement of technical results and milestones. The incumbent will contribute to the development and strengthening of operational partnerships by designing and delivering training workshops and providing guidance to FAO and Operational Partner staff. Regular communication with government and other stakeholders is essential to inform project design and delivery. The coordinator will also support the implementation of ongoing projects in agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management, assist in formulating new project proposals related to climate change, and coordinate policy dialogues and consultation meetings. Additional responsibilities include preparing plans for project reviews, participating in field monitoring missions, liaising with government authorities, and providing support on fisheries, soil, and water-related matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or related projects is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English and must be Namibian nationals. FAO core competencies include a focus on results, teamwork, effective communication, building relationships, and knowledge sharing for continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Forestry, or Natural Resource Management. Candidates must ensure that their qualifications are recognized by institutions accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which is maintained by the International Association of Universities and UNESCO.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of professional experience in fields related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or similar projects. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the relevant sectors and the ability to manage and coordinate complex projects effectively.

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

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing fees. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. Security clearances will also be necessary. For further employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.