National Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is dedicated to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide. Its mission is to support the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, ensuring better production, nutrition, environment, and life for all, while leaving no one behind. The FAO Sierra Leone Country Office plays a crucial role in addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development priorities in the country, working collaboratively with various divisions and regional offices to implement strategic responses to local needs and challenges.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the implementation of a significant project focused on the Palm Oil value chain development in Sierra Leone. This role involves coordinating project activities, ensuring effective management, monitoring, and reporting, and facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders. The coordinator will work closely with the Chief Agronomist and other technical units to develop and implement annual work plans and budgets, ensuring that project objectives are met efficiently. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the field, as well as a commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and improving livelihoods for local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Coordinator will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating with the Chief Agronomist to prepare and implement detailed annual work plans and budgets for the project.
• Coordinating day-to-day project management activities, including procurement, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and reporting.
• Working closely with the International Operations Specialist to ensure timely project implementation and to prevent delays or budget issues.
• Compiling and submitting quarterly, six-monthly, and terminal reports to the Chief Agronomist and Head of Programme for review.
• Coordinating field operations with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Services (MAFS), service providers, and other partners to ensure timely delivery of project activities.
• Organizing training sessions for community farmers and supporting capacity-building initiatives.
• Developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems in collaboration with the M&E team.
• Identifying potential risks to project outcomes and developing mitigation strategies.
• Drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultants and service providers. 1
• Assisting in the development of communication and training materials. 1
• Facilitating the establishment of a Palm Oil Apex coordinating structure at all levels. 1
• Coordinating quarterly field missions as outlined in the project document. 1
• Collaborating with technical units to develop procurement specifications. 1
• Representing FAO in project steering committee meetings as necessary. 1
• Performing additional tasks as requested by the FAO Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a master’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, natural resources management, social science, development studies, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in managing agricultural livelihood projects, with a strong emphasis on crop production and agronomy. A working knowledge of English is required, and experience in project locations is considered an advantage. Candidates must be nationals of Sierra Leone.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master’s degree in relevant fields such as agriculture, agronomy, natural resources management, social science, or development studies. It is essential that the degree is obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in agricultural livelihood project management, particularly in crop production and agronomy. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of project management principles and practices, as well as experience working in the field with local communities.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional local languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. 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 position is likely to be full-time, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances.