Project Coordinator

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 FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) plays a crucial role in addressing regional priorities for food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will be responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of the SCOPE project, which focuses on strengthening One Health capacity for enhancing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in the Lake Chad Basin. This role involves working closely with various partners, including AU-IBAR, AfDB, and UNICEF, to ensure the project's objectives are met effectively and efficiently. The Project Coordinator will oversee project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring that all activities align with FAO's strategic framework and guidelines. The position requires strong leadership skills, the ability to manage complex projects, and a commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The Project Coordinator will also be responsible for ensuring that the project adheres to timelines and quality standards, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development goals related to food security and health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Project work planning: Maintain a dashboard of project partners, coordinate the development of annual work plans, prepare procurement and recruitment plans, and facilitate contract signing with implementing partners.
• Project implementation monitoring and reporting: Ensure sound implementation of the project, coordinate activities with implementing partners, monitor progress against the log-frame and M&E framework, and prepare regular reports for stakeholders.
• Coordination/collaboration and synergy building: Lead coordination meetings, liaise with other pandemic fund projects, and build effective synergies with stakeholders to ensure coordinated implementation.
• Leadership: Provide technical leadership, manage resources efficiently, identify and resolve issues, and ensure compliance with FAO guidelines.
• Other duties: Assist in resource mobilization and project formulation to ensure sustainability and scaling up of project results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Wildlife, One Health, Epidemiology, or Biomedical Sciences. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of professional experience in managing complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders is required, preferably within the One Health approach. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant disciplines is required. For those with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are necessary. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage and implement projects effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in managing complex projects that involve multiple stakeholders. Experience in the One Health approach is preferred, as it is crucial for the successful implementation of the SCOPE project. The role requires a strong understanding of project management principles and the ability to navigate challenges that may arise during project execution.

Languages:
A working knowledge (Level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, intermediate knowledge (Level B) of French is considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication with partners and stakeholders in the region. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to write technical and communication documents in both English and French, enhancing the project's outreach and effectiveness.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and involves collaboration with various international partners. While the deadline for applications is not specified, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The role is full-time and may involve travel to project sites within the Lake Chad Basin region. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies and guidelines, ensuring that the selected candidate is adequately supported in their role.