Programme Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations. Established in 1977, IFAD's mission is to eradicate rural poverty and hunger by investing in rural people. The organization focuses on financing programs and projects that enhance agricultural productivity and increase rural incomes. It advocates for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. IFAD operates in numerous countries worldwide, working with various stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Coordinator position is crucial for the effective management and implementation of the Sri Lanka portfolio. The role requires a blend of generalist project management skills and a technical specialization in areas such as value chain development, rural finance, agronomy, gender inclusion, or ICT4D. The Programme Coordinator will support the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director by coordinating project management activities, ensuring timely implementation, and enhancing the delivery of results. This includes planning, reporting, and monitoring the portfolio, as well as engaging with Project Management Units (PMUs) and government partners. The position is based in Colombo, with regular travel within Sri Lanka to oversee project implementation and support missions.

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

• Providing broad-based support to the Sri Lanka portfolio management, including day-to-day follow-up with PMUs and government partners.
• Leading and coordinating project monitoring activities, ensuring timely implementation of agreed actions and tracking the status of these actions.
• Preparing mission dossiers, conducting background research, and consolidating project data.
• Drafting and finalizing mission Terms of Reference (TORs), reports, and other project documentation.
• Supporting the Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) updates and regional reporting requirements.
• Organizing and coordinating supervision and implementation support missions, including high-level visits.
• Documenting lessons learned and producing visibility materials to enhance knowledge management.
• Facilitating effective collaboration between the Country Office, government counterparts, and development partners.
• Providing administrative support to the Country Director, including preparing briefing notes and managing contracts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong project management skills, with a proven ability to coordinate complex projects and engage with multiple stakeholders. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism and self-management skills, ensuring accountability in their work.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically a degree in agricultural sciences, rural development, project management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas pertinent to rural development and project management are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of several years of experience in project management, particularly in the context of rural development or agricultural projects. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs is advantageous. Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of IFAD. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Sri Lanka, such as Sinhala or Tamil, is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, which means that the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role may involve full-time commitment, and the candidate should be prepared for regular travel within Sri Lanka. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN Volunteer conditions of service, which can be reviewed on the UNV website.