Programme Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In India, FAO is implementing several Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded initiatives aimed at delivering national and global environmental benefits while conserving biodiversity and restoring land and forest landscapes. FAO India promotes integrated and multidisciplinary approaches to agrifood system transformation, aligning with the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and engaging the private sector as a key partner in driving sustainable transformation.

Job Overview:
The Programme Coordinator will play a crucial role in guiding and coordinating the implementation of FAO's GEF and TCP projects in India. This position requires strategic oversight and technical support to ensure that projects are aligned with approved documents, workplans, and budgets. The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for the effective coordination of project teams, ensuring coherent and timely delivery of outputs and outcomes across multiple states and stakeholders. The role involves monitoring project performance, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing corrective measures to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, the Programme Coordinator will oversee financial monitoring, procurement processes, and stakeholder engagement, representing FAO India in various meetings and consultations. This position is essential for advancing FAO's mission in India and contributing to sustainable agrifood systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall coordination, technical guidance, and strategic oversight for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of FAO India projects funded by GEF and TCP.
• Support and guide Project Managers in planning, implementation, problem-solving, and adaptive management.
• Lead the consolidation of annual and multi-year workplans, budgets, and implementation schedules.
• Monitor project performance against results frameworks and implementation targets, identifying risks and proposing corrective measures.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of technical, financial, and narrative progress reports.
• Support financial oversight, including monitoring budgets and expenditures.
• Facilitate procurement processes and contract management for consultants and service providers.
• Coordinate and support mid-term reviews, evaluations, and audits.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Government of India counterparts and other stakeholders. 1
• Support knowledge management and capacity development of national staff and project teams. 1
• Monitor the Operational Partner Implementation Modality (OPIM) and support Joint Review Meetings. 1
• Perform any other duties required for effective implementation and coordination of FAO India’s project portfolio.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, natural resource management, development studies, or a relevant discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in project/programme management, including 5 years of in-country project implementation and 2 years in India, preferably with international organizations or UN agencies.
• Working knowledge of English (C1); knowledge of Hindi or other Indian languages is an asset.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Proven coordination and stakeholder engagement skills with government, donors, and implementing partners.
• Experience in financial management, procurement, and HR.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a relevant field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in project/programme management, with at least 5 years of experience in project implementation in any country and 2 years specifically in India. Experience with international organizations or UN agencies is preferred, along with a strong understanding of project management principles and practices.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (C1) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Hindi or other Indian languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves significant coordination with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners. The role may require travel within India to oversee project implementation and stakeholder engagement. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, and candidates should be independent of any organizations involved in the project being evaluated.