FAO Project Coordinator (PC)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. 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 worldwide, working towards sustainable agricultural practices and improved food systems. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, contributing to the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework.

Job Overview:
The FAO Project Coordinator (PC) will serve as the national project coordinator at the FAO country office in Zambia, acting as a crucial link between FAO Headquarters and local project partners. The primary focus of this role is to provide technical and operational support for the implementation of the 'Sustainable Fish Value Chains for Landlocked Developing Countries (SVC4LLDCs)' project, which aims to enhance the sustainability of aquatic food systems. The PC will be responsible for managing project activities, ensuring that they align with FAO's strategic objectives of better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. This position requires a strong emphasis on project management, value chain analysis, and strategic leadership, with the expectation to monitor and evaluate project activities effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator will perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Technically supporting the implementation of the project workplan and ensuring the delivery of associated deliverables and outputs.
• 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 and related initiatives.
• Monitoring and evaluating project activities to ensure alignment with objectives.
• Preparing reports for submission to the Project Management Unit (PMU), detailing results achieved, constraints, and solutions.
• Executing the annual country-level work plan and budget for the SVC4LLDCs project.
• Supporting and monitoring value chain analysis and development activities. 1
• Leading the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform and coordinating its activities. 1
• Developing partnerships with stakeholders to achieve project objectives. 1
• Collaborating with consultants to ensure the implementation of a sustainable value chain approach. 1
• Coordinating the analysis of quarterly progress reports from value chain task forces. 1
• Overseeing the development and implementation of the communication strategy at the country level. 1
• Leading regular monitoring and evaluation of the program throughout the project duration.

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. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of fisheries value chains and market systems, as well as a sound understanding of sustainable aquatic food systems and rural livelihoods. Proven experience in project planning, implementation, coordination, and management is essential, along with knowledge of value chain analysis methodologies and upgrading approaches.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree 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 include managing donor-funded development projects, work planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder coordination. Experience working with government institutions, producer organizations, the private sector, research institutions, and development partners is also essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English 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 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 must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position is subject to security clearances. The FAO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or background.