National Project Coordinator (NPC)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. The organization aims to assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects that achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition. FAO operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, fisheries, and forestry sectors. The organization is committed to the 2030 Agenda and supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO's mission is to ensure better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The Zambia Country Programming Framework (CPF) outlines five priority areas to guide FAO's work in the country, emphasizing gender-responsive productivity, inclusive agri-business development, environmental sustainability, nutrition enhancement, and policy development.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will play a crucial role in the implementation of the 'Sustainable Fish Value Chains for Landlocked Developing Countries (SVC4LLDCs)' project, which is funded by the Republic of Korea and operates in both Kyrgyzstan and Zambia. The NPC will serve as the primary link between FAO Headquarters and local project partners in Zambia, focusing on project management, value chain analysis, strategic leadership, and operational execution. The position requires a strong commitment to enhancing the sustainability of aquatic food systems and ensuring that project activities align with FAO's strategic objectives. The NPC will be responsible for providing technical and operational support to value chain activities, ensuring that project deliverables are met and that the project contributes to the overall goals of the FAO's Strategic Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The NPC will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including:

• Technically supporting the implementation of the project workplan;
• Coordinating and supporting the planning, design, and implementation of project activities;
• Reviewing and finalizing project reports and outputs;
• Identifying, recruiting, managing, and supervising project partners;
• Liaising with project beneficiaries and maintaining effective linkages with partners;
• Monitoring and evaluating project activities;
• Contributing to the development and dissemination of information products based on project activities. Specific functions include preparing reports for the Project Management Unit, executing the annual country-level work plan and budget, supporting value chain analysis and development activities, leading the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform, developing partnerships with stakeholders, coordinating quarterly progress reports, overseeing the communication strategy, and conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or equivalent in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Project Management, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in implementing and coordinating value chain development activities related to fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, forestry, or natural resources is required. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Zambia.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Project Management, or Natural Resource Management. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the implementation and coordination of value chain development activities. This experience should be related to fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, forestry, or natural resources, demonstrating a solid understanding of project management and value chain methodologies.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of one or more local languages spoken in Zambia is considered an advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. 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 subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website. The position is likely to be full-time, and the specific contract duration has not been mentioned.