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. 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, ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives. The FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Kazakhstan works closely with the government to advance national priorities related to food security, agriculture, and rural development. The FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) is a key instrument in this collaboration, focusing on strengthening national capacities and promoting sustainable agricultural development. The project 'National Initiative ‘Kazakhstan Varieties and Seeds’ is part of this program, directly contributing to national development objectives by modernizing breeding infrastructure and enhancing seed systems.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in the implementation of the National Initiative 'Kazakhstan Varieties and Seeds,' which focuses on modernizing plant breeding systems, strengthening seed quality and certification, and enhancing capacity development and institutional coordination. The coordinator will be responsible for providing technical, operational, and managerial support to ensure the successful execution of the project. This includes facilitating stakeholder engagement, developing partnerships, and planning evidence-based investments in the agri-food sector. The role requires effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including national authorities, research institutions, and international partners, to ensure that project objectives are met in a timely and efficient manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of tasks and responsibilities, including: providing overall leadership and coordination of the project; preparing and updating work plans; monitoring implementation and progress; facilitating communication among project teams and partners; organizing meetings and ensuring follow-up on decisions; planning and coordinating staff travel and field missions; providing institutional and policy advice to the Ministry of Agriculture; overseeing procurement processes; coordinating training activities; ensuring gender considerations are integrated into project documentation; maintaining systematic project documentation; preparing financial forecasts and supporting budget revisions; leading the preparation of progress reports and capturing lessons learned; and performing other operational tasks as required for effective project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant breeding, development studies, project management, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 7 years of experience in managing agricultural livelihood projects, particularly in seed breeding and production, agricultural innovation, or institutional strengthening. A working knowledge of English, Russian, and/or Kazakh is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Kazakhstan.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as agriculture, agronomy, plant breeding, development studies, or project management. Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in agricultural project management, with a focus on seed breeding and production, agricultural innovation, or institutional strengthening. Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and working with government institutions and international partners is essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English, Russian, and/or Kazakh is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. 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 appointment is also subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.