GEF Projects Sub-Regional Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Sub-Regional Office for West Africa (SFW) is dedicated to developing, promoting, and implementing strategies that assist countries and sub-regional organizations in addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, agriculture, and rural development priorities in West Africa. Established to provide technical support to 15 member countries of ECOWAS and 17 member countries of the Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), the office comprises a multidisciplinary team of experts in various fields such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, land and water management, and pastoralism. The organization is recognized internationally for its efforts in addressing climate change through sustainable agricultural practices, and it plays a crucial role in supporting countries in their climate action commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. With a portfolio of over 60 projects funded by the GEF, the FAO aims to enhance its capacity to assist countries in fulfilling their climate action ambitions.

Job Overview:
The GEF Projects Sub-Regional Coordinator will be an integral part of the multidisciplinary climate team at the FAO Sub-Regional Office for West Africa. This position focuses on enhancing FAO's support for the design and implementation of climate-related projects, particularly those funded by the GEF. The coordinator will be responsible for leading the coordination of multi-country GEF and GCF projects, ensuring that project management units and country-level project managers deliver timely and quality results. The role requires close collaboration with technical teams and stakeholders to align project objectives with national and regional priorities, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The coordinator will also be tasked with maintaining project documentation, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with corporate tools and guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GEF Projects Sub-Regional Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: coordinating and overseeing the execution of project activities according to approved project documents and work plans; ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines through stakeholder engagement; preparing, monitoring, and updating project plans with a focus on budget management; maintaining updated records of human resources monitoring tables; ensuring the Logical Framework Matrix for each project is complete and up-to-date; collecting relevant data for regular monitoring of project results; maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders; supporting the communication team in producing visibility materials for GEF and GCF projects; preparing and submitting all necessary reports; ensuring all project deliverables are completed and documentation is organized; identifying and managing potential risks; and providing assistance as needed within the framework of GCP and GEF projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as environmental or agricultural sciences, natural resource management, economics, or a related discipline. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in project or programme management, demonstrating a strong understanding of project cycles and management principles.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's) in environmental or agricultural sciences, natural resource management, economics, or a related field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to compensate for the lack of a master's degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of climate-related projects and the agricultural sectors involved.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project or programme management. This experience should include a proven track record of managing or coordinating GEF and GCF projects, as well as familiarity with the project cycle and implementation processes. Experience working in multiple countries within the subregion is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate diverse contexts and stakeholder environments.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English or French at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (proficiency level B) of the second language. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse teams and stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Dakar, Senegal, and is part of a full-time commitment to the FAO's climate team. The role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including administrative teams and project managers across multiple countries. The selected candidate will be expected to contribute to the FAO's mission of enhancing food security and addressing climate change challenges in West Africa.