Senior Project Coordinator

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. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In Sri Lanka, FAO has been active since 1979, with its Representation (Country Office) located in Colombo. The organization contributes to the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, focusing on transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, encapsulated in its four Betters: Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment, and a Better life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in the effective coordination, implementation, monitoring, and delivery of project activities aimed at strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacity of vulnerable farming communities in Sri Lanka. This position is integral to the successful execution of a United States Macro Grant project, which addresses the challenges faced by smallholder farmers due to various shocks, including climate-related events and socio-economic disruptions. The Coordinator will work closely with a diverse team, including government counterparts, implementing partners, and service providers, to ensure that project objectives are met efficiently and effectively. The role requires a proactive approach to managing project timelines, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with FAO regulations and donor requirements. The Coordinator will also be responsible for monitoring project progress, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports to communicate outcomes and impacts to stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: coordinating and supporting the implementation of project activities in line with approved work plans and budgets; liaising with government institutions and stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery; preparing and monitoring annual work plans and schedules; maintaining an integrated implementation tracker for project outputs; facilitating communication among project stakeholders; organizing training programs and workshops; coordinating the delivery and distribution of project inputs; monitoring project implementation progress; collecting and verifying project data; preparing periodic progress and technical reports; supporting administrative and financial processes; maintaining relationships with government agencies and development partners; ensuring compliance with FAO policies and donor requirements; and performing any other duties as required to support project objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Agriculture, Public or Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in program or project coordination is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English (level C) and Sinhala and/or Tamil. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of Sri Lanka. Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills, excellent communication and reporting abilities in English, and a demonstrated professionalism and adaptability in a results-oriented environment are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Public or Business Administration, or Social Sciences. It is important that candidates have obtained their higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of relevant experience in program or project coordination. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage complex projects, engage with various stakeholders, and ensure compliance with organizational and donor requirements.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory, along with proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil. These language skills are essential for effective communication with project 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 position may involve full-time engagement, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances. For more information on employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.