Back National Project Coordinator

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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)        advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)       provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)      assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)      position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)       ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

FAO is implementing the project ‘Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa (SoilFER) project in Ghana’ – GCP/GLO/1127/USA. The project aligns with FAO’s Programme Priority Areas BP1: innovation for sustainable agriculture production; BP5 ‘Digital agriculture and BE 1: Climate change mitigation and adapted agrifood system, and contribute to SDGs 2.1, 2.4 and 5B.

The position is in the FAO Country Office of Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator will report to the FAO Representative in Ghana, as well as to the project management team in FAO headquarters (HQ), which is hosted in the NSL.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will oversee the implementation of the Soilfer project in Ghana, ensuring that activities are executed in accordance with the agreed workplans. This includes Soil sampling and analysis, the development of soil maps and decision support tools, contributing to communication materials, and closely monitoring and reporting progress to FAOR and FAO headquarters, specifically the Land and Water division (NSL) and the budget holder. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide overall leadership and direction for the Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa (SoilFER) project in Ghana, ensuring that project goals, objectives, and milestones are met in a timely and efficient manner.
•    Liaise and report to FAO HQ project task force and coordinate project activities, supervise and work closely with the project national consultants.
•    Provide the day-to-day management of the project for effective project activity implementation at field level including budget tracking.
•    Support the development and implementation of project work plans, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation plans, in accordance with project guidelines.
•    Monitor project progress and prepare regular progress reports for FAO HQ project task force, ensuring that project activities are aligned with project objectives and deliverables.
•    Involve all relevant stakeholders and ensure effective communication and coordination with all project stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and other partners.
•    Ensure compliance with FAO Project Cycle, project policies and procedures, and local laws and regulations.
•    Represent the project at national and regional meetings, conferences, and other events as required.
•    Perform any other duties as assigned in the Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
  
•    University Degree in Project Management, Agriculture/Soil Science, Environmental/Natural Resources Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or any related field.
•    Minimum of seven (7) years of responsible professional experience, including development, management and/or evaluation of field projects relating to socio-economic forestry.
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of English 
•    National of Republic of Ghana.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Experience in administrative and financial management of field projects and its monitoring processes is an asset.
•    Experience in working with international organisations is an added advantage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION