FAO Project Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to combat hunger. Founded in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, including Sri Lanka, where it has been active since 1979 with its Representation (Country Office) in Colombo. FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, ensuring that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization contributes to the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, focusing on four key areas: Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment, and a Better life, with a commitment to leaving no one behind.

Job Overview:
The FAO Project Management Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of a two-year United States Macro Grant project in Sri Lanka, which aims to enhance the preparedness, resilience, and adaptive capacity of vulnerable farming communities facing various shocks. These shocks include the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, disruptions from the Middle East crisis, and the anticipated El Niño conditions that threaten agricultural production and water availability. The project specifically targets smallholder paddy farmers in Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Puttalam, and Vavuniya, as well as vegetable farmers in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. The specialist will be responsible for coordinating and managing project activities, ensuring effective resource utilization, timely delivery of work plans, adherence to budgets, and risk management. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local institutions, to implement agricultural input support, climate-resilient practices, and anticipatory action measures. The specialist will also oversee the provision of essential agricultural inputs, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen early warning systems to mitigate climate-related shocks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Planning, implementing, and managing project activities by providing guidance and supervision to ensure the delivery of activities as outlined in the results-based work plan.
• Offering day-to-day administrative and management support to the project team to facilitate smooth project implementation.
• Coordinating with the International Project Management/Operations Specialist to develop operational strategies and detailed field implementation plans.
• Overseeing the hiring plan for national and international project staff to ensure timely onboarding.
• Collaborating with consultants, government counterparts, and implementing partners to ensure timely delivery of inputs and the rollout of digital voucher schemes.
• Monitoring market availability and prices during implementation and adjusting voucher values as necessary.
• Ensuring a results-based approach to project implementation, focusing on achieving project results and impacts as defined by the project framework.
• Leading stakeholder interactions and engaging in policy dialogue on behalf of the project.
• Supervising the procurement process in accordance with FAO rules and procedures. 1
• Overseeing the preparation and implementation of the project monitoring and evaluation plan, ensuring that baseline, seasonal, and endline data are captured for assessing project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from a recognized institution in Agriculture, Public or Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. Additionally, they should have at least five years of relevant experience in project and program management. A working knowledge of English and either Sinhala or Tamil is required, and candidates must be nationals of Sri Lanka. Familiarity with UN administrative, operational, and financial procedures, as well as an understanding of FAO policies and programs, is considered a strong asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from a recognized university in fields such as Agriculture, Public or Business Administration, Social Sciences, or any other related discipline. Candidates must ensure that their qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in project and program management, particularly at the national level. Candidates should demonstrate experience in implementing complex multi-stakeholder projects and managing operations effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and either Sinhala or Tamil. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

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 position may involve full-time engagement, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances.