Senior Programme Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations 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 mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable. The organization also focuses on improving the livelihoods of rural populations and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO operates under a strategic framework that aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing environmental sustainability and resilience, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Coordinator position is critical for providing technical and strategic support to the implementation of resilience programmes in conflict-affected regions of Georgia. This role involves close collaboration with the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) and is essential for strengthening programme coordination, supporting adaptive and conflict-sensitive approaches, and advising on resource mobilization and strategic partnerships. The Senior Programme Coordinator will work closely with the FAO Country Office in Georgia to ensure that resilience interventions are coherent, impactful, and sustainable. The position requires a deep understanding of the local context, particularly in conflict-affected areas, and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including national counterparts, UN partners, and development actors. The role also involves leading multidisciplinary programme formulation teams and providing technical support in resource mobilization and partnership development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: providing overall leadership and strategic guidance for planning, implementation, and monitoring of the FAO Conflict Prevention Portfolio; supervising the effective functioning of FAO Project Offices in Sukhumi and Zugdidi, including staff management and office security; leading Project Steering Committee and Project Task Force meetings to ensure alignment with FAO's strategic objectives; reviewing and endorsing project work plans, reports, and outputs; overseeing project budgets and ensuring accurate financial and narrative reporting; ensuring high-quality project data and documentation in FAO corporate systems; supervising all staff under the FAO Project Office; leading resource mobilization efforts for the Conflict Prevention Portfolio; supporting liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders; and developing technical documents to inform REU officials on policy changes related to EU regulations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, forestry, or related technical areas linked to FAO's mandate. Additionally, candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in project or programme management. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and knowledge of Russian will be considered an advantage. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent communication skills, proven ability to convey complex ideas effectively, and good skills in resource mobilization and interpersonal relations. Experience in conceptualizing and writing complex proposals for EU funding is essential, along with a demonstrated understanding of the agricultural sector in the region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in agriculture, forestry, or related technical areas that align with the FAO's mandate. This degree should be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet international standards and are relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in project or programme management. This experience should ideally include work in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, which is desirable for understanding the complexities of working in conflict-affected regions. The extent and relevance of experience in programme management, particularly at the field level, will be critical in assessing candidates for this position.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within FAO and with international partners. Knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage, particularly given the regional context of the role and the need to engage with various stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is full-time and involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including national governments, UN agencies, and international financial institutions. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region and globally as required for project formulation and resource mobilization efforts. The position is critical for advancing FAO's mission in conflict-affected areas and requires a strong commitment to achieving sustainable development goals.