National Coordinator - Small Grants Programme (SGP)

Organizational Setting

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), launched in 1992, provides financial and technical support to civil society and community-based organizations (CSOs/CBOs) to deliver global environmental benefits while improving local livelihoods. The programme provides financial and technical support to civil society and community-based organizations to implement projects in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable land management. By leveraging FAO’s expertise in agrifood systems, SGP Tajikistan aims to harmonize environmental sustainability with local livelihoods and food security through grassroots innovation.
In Tajikistan, FAO is now implementing the Eighth Operational Phase (OP8) of the SGP. This phase, often referred to as "SGP 2.0," leverages FAO’s specialized expertise in agrifood systems, forestry, and fisheries to strengthen the link between environmental sustainability and food security.

The main aim of FAO country offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments in developing policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition; to support the development of agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors; and to promote the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.
The SGP National Coordinator (NC) will be based in FAO Tajikistan in Dushanbe.

Reporting Lines

The National Coordinator will report to the FAO Representative. He/She will work closely with the designated SGP focal points in FAO Tajikistan, the Global Program Management Team in OCB (GPMT), and the National Steering Committee (NSC), and will serve as the main counterpart for SGP grantees and other country stakeholders.
The performance of the NC will be assessed jointly by FAO Tajikistan and the GPMT.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for project activities in Tajikistan across various components. All work must be carried out in close coordination with government partners and other national stakeholders.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead the national SGP workforce, where applicable; support capacity building and track team performance
• Coordinate closely with FAO Tajikistan, GPMT, and country programme stakeholders, including members of the NSC and local partners
• Support the NSC throughout the project cycle, particularly during selection, award phases, reviews, deliberations, meetings, and reporting
• Develop the Annual Work Plan, including strategic and innovative activities, budget planning, and monitoring/supervision arrangements
• Coordinate the design, implementation, and periodic review of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) with the NSC
• Monitor national environmental and socio-economic conditions relevant to the GEF SGP programme and advise on their implications
• Pre-screen SGP proposals and support CSOs/CBOs throughout application, incubation, and acceleration phases, ensuring alignment with SGP OP8 procedures and ESMF requirements
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to SGP grantees
• Oversee and manage the country SGP allocation in line with FAO ethical and financial standards
• Ensure due diligence, financial verification, and compliance with contractual agreements prior to grant disbursement
• Provide oversight and quality assurance across the SGP portfolio (design, implementation, reporting stages)
• Ensure regular monitoring of the portfolio through communication and field visits
• Liaise continuously with GPMT to report on implementation status and progress
• Support monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes, including Mid-Term Reviews and Terminal Evaluations
• Document lessons learned, identify best practices, and promote knowledge sharing to inform future programming
• Strengthen synergies between GEF-SGP and other GEF/GCF projects; foster partnerships with private sector, donors, and development partners for co-financing and scaling
• Lead advocacy and resource mobilization efforts to complement GEF SGP funding
• Act as the main SGP focal point at the country level, engaging stakeholders through dialogue, outreach, and communication initiatives
• Perform other duties as required to ensure effective programme implementation

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economics, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics/Management, Business Administration, or a related field
OR
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the above fields combined with two additional years of relevant experience
• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of relevant experience in managing environmental/natural resource management projects at national or local levels
• Working knowledge of English and Tajik;
• National of Tajikistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and other standard digital tools
• Ability to manage and analyze data using spreadsheets and electronic tools
• Experience using computers, office software packages, and web-based management systems
• Strong analytical and technical report-writing skills
• Computer literacy, including spreadsheets, databases, and electronic systems
• Working knowledge of Russian is an advantage

Selection Criteria

• Progressively responsible experience in project or programme management at national and/or international level
• Proven experience in the design, management, and M&E of UN or development projects, including results-based management
• Experience in GEF-SGP thematic areas at the national level
• Knowledge of FAO strategic programmes and operational policies
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments (NGOs, CSOs, government, etc.)

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.