National Professional Officer (Project Management)

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Position Title: National Professional Officer (Project Management)
Location: Lilongwe
Country: Malawi
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has 195 Members (194 Nations and the European Union) and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO's mission is to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the 2030 Agenda. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations with adequate human and financial resources, while advocating for policies and investments in agriculture and food security.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Project Management) will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded project on Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). This position is based in the FAO Representation in Lilongwe, Malawi, and reports directly to the FAO Representative (FAOR). The officer will be responsible for coordinating and providing technical and operational support for the program and project activities, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with government authorities and various stakeholders. The role requires a strong focus on ecosystem-based adaptation, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable watershed management, as well as project cycle management and operational processing. The officer will assist in the formulation and updating of project plans, monitor compliance with project agreements, and contribute to the overall success of the project by ensuring that all operational activities align with the work plan and project document.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Professional Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including liaising with government authorities and local, national, and international institutions to promote FAO's activities. The officer will coordinate the collection and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, and monitor changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector. Additionally, the officer will participate in producing technical, economic, and policy studies, assist in the identification and formulation of program and project proposals, and monitor the status of project implementation. The officer will also brief, train, and supervise junior staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and accuracy in work. Specific functions include assisting the International Technical Advisor (ITA) in facilitating project implementation, coordinating project plans, managing project budgets, facilitating procurement processing, and contributing to partnership building with various stakeholders. The officer will also support the development and implementation of project communication strategies and provide technical services related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of the country of assignment and possess an advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role. Technical and functional skills in climate change adaptation, project cycle management, and multidisciplinary team coordination are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, or fisheries. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural development and project management within the context of FAO's mission and activities.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation, particularly in areas aligned with FAO's activities. Experience working with UN agencies and on GCF funded projects is highly desirable, as is a strong background in project cycle management and coordination of multidisciplinary teams.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of FAO. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the local context or the countries involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and is part of a project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a total budget of USD 53.2 million. The role involves full-time commitment and may require collaboration with various stakeholders, including government departments, donor communities, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. The officer will be expected to engage in continuous improvement and knowledge sharing to enhance the effectiveness of the project.