Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat
hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

The FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan supports the Government of Kazakhstan in advancing national priorities related to food security, agriculture, and rural development priorities in close collaboration with the Government of Kazakhstan and other national stakeholders. The FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) is one of the main instruments of this cooperation, strengthening national capacities and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

The project “National Initiative ‘Kazakhstan Varieties and Seeds” is implemented under the FKPP and contributes directly to national development objectives. It aims to strengthen national breeding and seed systems through modernization of breeding infrastructure, introduction of advanced breeding and seed-testing technologies, capacity development, institutional coordination, and evidence‑based investment planning, including support to the apple sector.

Reporting Lines

The Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the Head of the Office and the guidance of the Programme Officer/Team Leader, and the direct supervision Lead Technical Officers of the project, and in close cooperation with National Project Coordinators (NPC – Focal Points of Government Partners), the national authorities, research institutions as well as national and local consultants, international technical partners, and FAO technical units and members of the FAO Project Task Force (PTF).

Technical Focus

The Project Coordinator will provide overall technical, operational and managerial support for the implementation of national project focusing on:
• Modernization of plant breeding systems
• Strengthening of national seed quality and certification systems
• Capacity development and institutional coordination
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
• Evidence based investment planning and innovation in the agri food sector

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will undertake following tasks and responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and day‑to‑day coordination of the National Initiative “Kazakhstan Varieties and Seeds,” ensuring timely and quality delivery of all activities in accordance with project documents and FAO rules.
• Prepare and update annual and semi‑annual workplans; monitor implementation and coordinate adjustments to maintain agreed timelines and deliverables. Monitor work progress and certify satisfactory delivery of services, outputs and consultant performance.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among the project team, national partners, and FAO units to ensure seamless operational workflow and coordination.
• Organize Project Steering Committee and PTF meetings, prepare required documentation and minutes, and ensure follow‑up on decisions.
• Plan and coordinate staff duty travel and field missions (travel, accommodation, mission schedules, stakeholder meetings, site visits) in line with FAO travel policy.
• Support provision of institutional, policy, and legal implementation advice to the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant institutions in the area of seed systems, variety development, testing and certification.
• Coordinate/ support the preparation of draft terms of reference, identify potential candidates, and support recruitment of consultants; prepare ToRs for subcontracts, identify suitable contractors, and guide procurement of services.
• Oversee procurement processes for goods, equipment and services, ensuring compliance with FAO policies and procedures and preparation of technical specifications as required.
• Coordinate and ensure timely planning of training activities with technical experts; organize workshops, capacity-building events and study tours; select participants in consultation with national agencies.
• Ensure operational planning and logistics facilitate the participation of women researchers, professionals, farmers and stakeholders; integrate gender considerations into progress reports and project documentation in line with FAO gender policy.
• Maintain systematic project documentation and audit‑ready records; supervise financial monitoring, reporting, and record‑keeping in collaboration with FAO administrative and operations teams.
• Prepare financial forecasts based on semi‑annual workplans; support budget revisions in line with actual implementation and expenditures.
• Lead the preparation of the Inception Report, semi‑annual progress reports (including the project timeline table and assessment of institutional arrangements), and the Terminal Report; prepare operational updates and summaries for consolidated FAO reporting.
• Capture lessons learned throughout implementation and ensure their integration into ongoing and future activities.
• Coordinate implementation with national institutions involved in varietal development, testing, certification and seed production, ensuring institutional alignment and access to facilities and data.
• Perform other coordinating and operational tasks required for effective project implementation, and undertake duty travel as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant breeding, development studies, project management or any other related field
• At least 7 years’ experience in agricultural livelihood project management with special emphasis on seeds breeding and production, agricultural innovation or institutional strengthening
• Working knowledge of English, Russian and/or Kazakh is mandatory
• National of Kazakhstan.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder, donor‑funded projects
• Experience working with government institutions, research organizations and international technical partners
• Extent and relevance of experience in
• Familiarity with FAO, UN or international development organization procedures is an advantage.

Selection Criteria

• Project Management Professional certificates is an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.