Planning and Implementation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. 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 and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates under a strategic framework that emphasizes sustainable agriculture production, gender equality, and rural women's empowerment, among other priorities.

Job Overview:
The Planning and Implementation Specialist will play a crucial role in the successful execution of the TCP/GUY/4101 project, which focuses on enhancing shrimp aquaculture production in Guyana. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring effective coordination and operational delivery of project activities, working closely with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and technical experts. The role requires a proactive approach to strengthen partnerships across the shrimp aquaculture value chain, ensuring that the project aligns with FAO's strategic goals, particularly in promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity within the sector. The incumbent will be tasked with operationalizing the shrimp hatchery at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and will need to engage with national agencies, international experts, and private sector actors to facilitate timely project outputs and create an enabling environment for sustainable shrimp aquaculture development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Planning and Implementation Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing the workplan and budget; supporting the day-to-day implementation of project activities in accordance with the approved project document; coordinating among project partners, including FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture; monitoring and evaluating project progress; identifying and mitigating risks; facilitating project meetings and workshops; preparing narrative and technical inputs for reports; supporting administrative processes related to project implementation; promoting gender equality and inclusion in project activities; analyzing constraints and opportunities within the shrimp aquaculture value chain; and drafting the Terminal Report of the project. The specialist will also be expected to perform related duties as necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, natural resource management, development studies, or a related field. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in project planning, implementation, and coordination is required, preferably in fisheries, aquaculture, or agricultural development projects. While relevant experience in managing fisheries or aquaculture development is strongly desirable, it is not mandatory. A strong working knowledge of English (C1) is essential for effective communication and reporting.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, natural resource management, or development studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of project implementation in the context of shrimp aquaculture and related agricultural practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in project planning, implementation, and coordination, particularly in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, or agricultural development. Experience in managing fisheries or aquaculture development projects is highly desirable, although not strictly required. Familiarity with UN or FAO project implementation procedures would be an asset, as would experience in value chain development or market systems approaches.

Languages:
A strong command of English (C1 level) is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is vital for coordinating with stakeholders and reporting on project progress. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline. The role requires a high level of collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and private sector actors, emphasizing the importance of building effective relationships. The specialist will be expected to work independently while also being part of a team, demonstrating strong organizational and reporting skills. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates should be prepared for a results-based environment that may require flexibility and adaptability.