National Project Coordinator

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars:

(i) Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition

(ii) Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats and crisis;

(iii) Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection.

The Urban peri-urban Resilience through Investment for Sustainable Ecosystems in Zimbabwe (URISE) project addresses challenges from rapid urbanization, ecosystem degradation, and food system vulnerabilities in the major metropolitan cities of Zimbabwe — Harare and Bulawayo. The Project objective: To enhance community and ecosystem resilience to stress caused by urbanization and climate change by preserving green and blue ecosystem services through nature-based solutions (e.g., wetland rehabilitation, reforestation, agroforestry) and promoting circular economy practices and sustainable food systems for low-income communities in urban and peri-urban areas.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, in close collaboration with A/FAOR-Programmes, with further reporting and guidance from the relevant FAO Lead Technical Officer of the project, Regional Office for Africa and technical divisions at FAO Headquarters (HQs).

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of Urban and peri-urban Resilience through Investment for Sustainable Ecosystems in Zimbabwe (U-RISE) project activities in line with the proposed budget to reach defined objectives.

Tasks And Responsibilities

The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of project activities in line with the proposed budget to reach defined objectives. S/he will also provide overall guidance, technical support and coordination of the project. In particular, the incumbent will:

• Coordinate the project through work planning, budget management, monitoring and evaluation and follow-up with the implementing partners to ensure all activities are implemented in accordance with the results-based logical framework, workplan and approved budget.
• Provide technical backstopping for the smooth implementation of the project and ensure consistency among the various components of the project and related activities, as foreseen in the project document and log-frame.
• Lead the procurement of all goods and services for the project and ensure contractual compliance for contractual work.
• Ensure regular communication with all project stakeholders and with the Ministry of Environment Climate and Wildlife, Ministry of Local Government, UN Agencies, NGO Consortia, Private sector, Cities of Harare and Bulawayo, and the Donor in preparation and approval of the annual work plans and budgets, and ensure timely approval by the Project Task Force (PTF);
• Represent FAO in Urban resilience building technical discussions and in the Project Management Unit.
• Manage the human, material and financial resources allocated to the project for efficient and timely project implementation and delivery under the Budget-Holder (BH) supervision.
• Lead the production of all required Project Progress reports in line with donor requirements and guidelines maintaining quality (in close cooperation with the BH and the LTO and in consultation with the Project Task Force and alert the BH and the LTO of potential problems that could result in delays during implementation.
• Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.
• Provide support in the preparation of contracts, letters of agreement with project partners in close collaboration with the BH and LTO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Business Management, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support,
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Zimbabwe

Fao Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

• Experience in forestry, natural resources management, climate and environmental project formulation is an added advantage
• Knowledge of FAO and experience with FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring and reporting is an asset
• Knowledge of local specifics (socio-economic situation and livelihood options) in rural areas around Zimbabwe.
• Experience in working with the urban communities and local institutions.
• Good knowledge of corporate information systems
• Good analytical and writing skills
• Good communication and advocacy skills

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. 

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. 

How To Apply

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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