Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has a global presence with over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and environmental management, aiming to eradicate hunger and improve nutrition and food security. In Sri Lanka, FAO has been operational for over four decades, providing technical expertise and building the capacity of stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, forestry, and environmental sectors to enhance resilience, food security, and sustainable resource management.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will play a crucial role in the implementation of a comprehensive interoperability framework for the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. This position involves ensuring that project outputs and targets are met according to the project framework, with activities carried out as planned, within budget and time constraints. The Project Manager will be responsible for planning and implementing project activities in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and non-state actors. The role requires a strong focus on data management, privacy, and digital transformation, aiming to optimize service delivery and enhance data-driven decision-making within the agricultural sector. The incumbent will also oversee IT-based initiatives and ensure effective communication and advocacy for the project at both national and regional levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide overall guidance and supervision of the project, ensuring the identification, planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of project activities as per the results-based work plan.
• Offer day-to-day administrative and management support to the project team to ensure smooth implementation.
• Identify and collaborate with Technical Specialists/Consultants for tasks outlined in the work plan.
• Coordinate with institutions to identify opportunities for complementarity and synergies, including monitoring co-financing commitments.
• Maintain a results-based approach to project implementation, focusing on project results and impact as defined by the project results framework indicators.
• Promote the project and its outputs on national and regional stages.
• Lead stakeholder interactions and liaise with government agencies, advocating and engaging in policy dialogue on behalf of the project.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary inputs from partner institutions and agencies.
• Coordinate with the local project manager assigned by the donor agency and other relevant consultants for smooth project implementation. 1
• Oversee IT-based initiatives within FAO Sri Lanka's country office, focusing on the integration and execution of the Digital Agriculture initiative. 1
• Ensure effective implementation of ongoing digital initiatives and support government counterparts in initiating sustainable mechanisms for each program. 1
• Mobilize resources to fully implement the agriculture sector enterprise architecture and interoperability framework. 1
• Provide administrative and management support to Technical Specialists/Consultants to ensure timely delivery. 1
• Create strategic partnerships related to the project and coordinate with various stakeholders. 1
• Ensure the project team follows up on the adoption of recommendations provided by Technical Consultants. 1
• Manage the procurement process in accordance with FAO rules and procedures. 1
• Oversee the preparation and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation plans, communication, and knowledge management plans. 1
• Prepare results based on regular reports and facilitate the submission of timely project implementation reviews and progress reports to the FAO Country Office. 1
• Participate in regular progress meetings organized by government stakeholders and donors to communicate FAO’s contributions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in IT, Information Systems, Data Management, Data Science, Data Analytics, or a related field. Alternatively, a university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in IT-related project management is required, along with a demonstrable track record of managing government IT-related projects. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil and must be nationals of Sri Lanka.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as IT, Information Systems, Data Management, Data Science, or Data Analytics. Candidates with a university degree and additional relevant work experience may also be considered. It is essential that the educational qualifications are obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in IT-related project management. Candidates should have experience in planning, coordinating, and implementing projects, including the preparation of work plans and coordination with stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of outputs. Experience working with international organizations and government stakeholders in agriculture, environment, and development projects is highly valued. Familiarity with results-based management approaches and the use of digital tools for project monitoring and data management is also important.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and at least one of the local languages, Sinhala or Tamil. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

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 may involve full-time engagement, and the appointment is subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.