National Project Coordinator - Agrifood Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) was established in Samoa to coordinate the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) work across 13 member countries and one Associate Member in the Pacific sub-region. The mission of SAP is to develop, implement, and oversee programs that address security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, agriculture, and rural development priorities. The office maintains relations with various sub-regional institutions and entities, ensuring that FAO's initiatives are effectively tailored to the unique needs of the Pacific Islands. SAP operates as a subsidiary of FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) located in Bangkok. The Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project, funded by the European Union Delegation (EUD) to the Pacific, aims to foster resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood system transformation across Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands, with a total budget of EUR 10 million. The project commenced in August 2024 and has an extended end date of January 2028, working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in Samoa and other stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will serve as the primary in-country focal point for the STODAS project implementation in Samoa. This role involves providing effective technical and operational leadership to ensure that all three project outputs advance significantly in accordance with the approved Year 3/NCE workplan, the project's Logical Framework Matrix (LFM), and FAO and EU policies and procedures. The NPC will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of project outputs, coordinating with various stakeholders, and representing FAO in national engagements. The position requires a strong understanding of agrifood systems, policy development, project management, and partnership coordination, as well as the ability to manage Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and procurement processes in compliance with FAO standards. The NPC will work under the guidance of the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator and will report directly to the Programme Officer based in Apia, ensuring effective collaboration with the FAO Lead Technical Officer and other project teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Project Coordinator include:

• Providing in-country leadership for the STODAS NCE start-up and implementation in Samoa, ensuring coherent delivery across all three outputs within the approved workplan and budget during the 12-month assignment.
• Facilitating the development, validation, and dissemination of national agrifood policies and strategies, monitoring and reporting on progress, and proposing mitigating actions for any identified risks.
• Representing FAO STODAS in national coordination platforms and participating in the Annual Review and Planning Meeting.
• Coordinating the Agriculture sector plan and supporting the independent assessment of agriculture and fisheries extension services.
• Overseeing the development of a cloud-based digital platform for stakeholder collaboration and coordinating the development of the National Policy on Mandatory Fencing of Pig Pens.
• Coordinating LOAs and procurement to establish and improve nurseries, support school and community gardens, and oversee research on feral pig populations.
• Supporting the operation of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre and coordinating workshops to build stakeholder capacities in key value chains.
• Managing LOAs and service contracts, ensuring compliance with FAO and EU policies.
• Coordinating with the national M&E Specialist on data collection and reporting, and preparing contributions to progress reports. 1
• Supporting project communication activities and ensuring compliance with EU Communication and Visibility guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for the position include:

• A university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, agrifood systems, natural resource management, development studies, public policy, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in agricultural development, agrifood systems, project management, or related fields, with demonstrated in-country experience in the Pacific, preferably in Samoa.
• A working knowledge (level C) of English.
• The candidate must be a national of Samoa.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as agriculture, agrifood systems, natural resource management, development studies, or public policy. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complexities involved in agrifood systems and agricultural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in agricultural development, agrifood systems, project management, or related fields. This experience should include demonstrated in-country experience in the Pacific region, with a preference for candidates who have worked specifically in Samoa. The role requires a proven ability to manage complex work plans and multiple priorities under time pressure, as well as experience in managing development projects funded by international donors.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of the Samoan language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration aligned with the project timeline.