Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. Its mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Kazakhstan supports the government in advancing national priorities related to food security, agriculture, and rural development. The FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) serves as a strategic cooperation framework between FAO and the Government of Kazakhstan, focusing on strengthening national capacities and advancing sustainable agricultural development. The organization operates in multiple countries, working closely with various stakeholders to implement projects that enhance food security and agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall managerial, operational, and technical support for the implementation of a national project aimed at modernizing locust monitoring and forecasting systems in Kazakhstan. This includes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the existing frameworks. The role requires collaboration with various national authorities, research institutions, and technical partners to ensure the successful execution of the project. The Project Coordinator will lead efforts to enhance digital monitoring systems, strengthen institutional coordination, and develop capacity through training programs. The position demands a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and the ability to foster partnerships across different sectors, including government agencies and private technology companies. The ultimate goal is to support evidence-based investment planning and innovation in the agrifood sector, ensuring that Kazakhstan's phytosanitary systems are modernized and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator will undertake a variety of tasks, including providing overall programmatic leadership and day-to-day coordination of the project. Responsibilities include preparing and updating annual and quarterly work plans, maintaining coordination with various stakeholders, organizing Project Steering Committee meetings, overseeing operational implementation, supporting procurement processes, planning training activities, and advising the Ministry of Agriculture on institutional matters. The Coordinator will also monitor project activities, expenditures, and progress, ensuring compliance with FAO quality standards. Additionally, the role involves certifying the satisfactory delivery of services, coordinating training activities, assessing progress, and preparing financial forecasts and reports. The Coordinator will ensure gender mainstreaming in all project activities and supervise financial monitoring and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience in managing technical projects related to pest management, phytosanitary measures, or digital surveillance systems is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English, as well as Russian and/or Kazakh. Being a national of Kazakhstan is also a prerequisite for this position. The role demands strong project management skills, including planning, monitoring, and reporting, as well as experience in multi-stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, or any other related field. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational qualifications meet international standards and are acknowledged by the FAO.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in managing technical projects. This experience should involve areas such as pest management, phytosanitary measures, digital surveillance systems, and early warning systems. Familiarity with locust/pest management, AI/ML modeling, UAV operations, or geospatial analytics is considered an asset. Experience working in project locations and coordinating the development of modern tools with IT teams is also advantageous.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English, which is mandatory for the position. Additionally, proficiency in Russian and/or Kazakh is required, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the national context and with local stakeholders.

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 should be aware that the FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the WHED. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared for potential duty travel as required.