Project Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Office of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) (OSL) coordinates activities to address and meet the special needs of these vulnerable populations and countries by strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and policy planning processes, facilitating experience sharing and cooperation in the design of high-impact programmes.

Reporting Lines

Selected applicants will report to the OSL Senior Programme Officer, working in close coordination with the component leads and under the overall guidance of the Director, OSL.

Technical Focus

Implementation of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Trust Fund Project for SIDS “Enhancing technical and innovative capacity to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems in SIDS”.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with the planning, monitoring and evaluation requirements established in this project, based on the effective participation, initiatives and commitments of the participants.
• Lead the execution processes of the project outputs under the established objectives framework.
• Develop coordination processes with the component leads, project taskforce, FAO Subregional offices, government/partner entities of the project.
• Prepare Annual Operational Plans, with their respective budgets, and relevant analytical reports.
• Prepare technical notes on the actions taken, the lessons learned and the results achieved within the framework of the project to develop visibility actions.
• Guarantee the formulation, execution and evaluation of the workplan for the three components of the project, as needed.
• Supervise the organization and preparation of virtual meetings, training events, basic studies and participatory workshops related to the different components of the project.
• Support the verification and evaluation of the progress of budget execution according to efficiency indicators.
• Support the preparation of annual reports and a final consultancy report, indicating the objectives, scope, activities carried out, limitations found, lessons learned, conclusions and recommendations, including the corresponding working documents.
• Identify, assess and liaise with relevant Chinese institutions, research centres and technical experts to support targeted interventions across project components; facilitate initial engagement, support component leads in establishing technical collaborations, and contribute to building sustainable partnerships under the FAO-China South-South Cooperation framework.
• In collaboration with component leads, guide and support Chinese experts with project activities, ensuring alignment with component needs and facilitating effective knowledge transfer and collaboration, including coordination of study tours of beneficiaries to China.
• Where relevant, participate in events to promote coordination and the exchange of experiences on the topics of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural sciences, business administration, rural development, economics, food and nutrition security, project management or other related fields. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSA: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural sciences, business administration, rural development, economics, food and nutrition security, project management or other related fields.
• Minimum experience of 5 years in the area of food and nutritional security or regional development in SIDS, as well as in the management and advocacy for institutionalization processes with public and/or private sector institutions, of which 4 years should be in projects financed with international cooperation resources, leading work with multidisciplinary teams, participatory processes and articulation with multiple actors.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English or another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of projects and programs for food security, family farming and/or rural development through South-South cooperation is desirable.
• Experience in institutionalization and advocacy processes for food security and nutrition management through highly recognized methodological strategies and processes.
• General knowledge in technical and administrative aspects for project management.
• Ability to apply participatory methodologies and tools.
• Knowledge of Chinese is an asset.

Selection Criteria

• Ability to plan proactively, guide and follow up on the work of others and work under pressure on multiple tasks simultaneously and within tight deadlines.