FAO Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's work encompasses a wide range of areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, with a strong focus on policy development, capacity building, and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The FAO Project Coordinator will play a pivotal role in managing and overseeing the FAO's Technical Assistance under the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project. This position is crucial for ensuring that the project meets its objectives effectively and efficiently. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders, including government departments and international partners, to facilitate the successful implementation of the project. The role requires a strong understanding of water resources management, irrigation modernization, and agricultural practices, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results within tight deadlines. The Project Coordinator will also be expected to provide technical oversight and ensure that all project activities align with the strategic goals of the SWAT Project and FAO's broader mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the FAO Project Coordinator include leading and coordinating the implementation of the FAO Technical Assistance under the SWAT Project, ensuring timely delivery of agreed activities, outputs, and results. The Project Coordinator will provide overall project management, including work planning, budgeting, implementation monitoring, risk management, and coordination of project activities. They will oversee senior technical aspects across water resources management, irrigation modernization, water policy reforms, agriculture investments, climate-smart agriculture, and flood emergency response. The role also involves coordinating and supervising national and international consultants, ensuring quality and compliance with terms of reference and work plans. The Project Coordinator will review and provide quality assurance for technical studies, assessments, designs, policy documents, and reports. Maintaining close coordination with various stakeholders, including government departments and the World Bank, is essential for effective project implementation. The Project Coordinator will also oversee monitoring and evaluation of project progress, prepare progress reports, and support the organization of technical meetings, workshops, and training sessions. Additionally, they will facilitate policy-level engagements and promote knowledge sharing and capacity development among government counterparts and partner institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Agriculture Engineering or Water Resources Management. A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in water conservation, agricultural productivity, and irrigation rehabilitation and modernization projects is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and be nationals of Pakistan. Strong project management, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple technical workstreams and priorities. Knowledge of United Nations and International Organizations’ administrative policies and procedures is also important. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to write clear and concise technical documents and focus on project delivery and client satisfaction for technical results and problem-solving.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Agriculture Engineering or Water Resources Management. Candidates must have obtained their higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational qualifications meet international standards and are recognized by the FAO.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in the field of water conservation, agricultural productivity, and irrigation rehabilitation and modernization projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex projects and working with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international organizations. Experience in policy and strategy formulation will be considered an added benefit, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to engage at higher levels of decision-making and influence policy outcomes.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of the Sindhi language will be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation in the Sindh region.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, and processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position is based in Karachi, Pakistan, and may involve collaboration with various national and international stakeholders. The FAO emphasizes the importance of compliance with its procedures, contractual requirements, and donor obligations.