Back Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The 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. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Ukraine is seeking to increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises that affect agriculture, food and nutrition, focusing on four major areas: - rural economic development - transition to sustainable agriculture and food production practices - adaptation to climate change - humanitarian assistance.

FAO Ukraine is the country office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security, reducing rural poverty, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO Ukraine works in close partnership with the government, civil society organizations, private sector, and other UN agencies to address the diverse challenges and opportunities in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and environmental sectors. By providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity development support, FAO Ukraine plays a vital role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening the resilience of rural communities, and enhancing food security and nutrition across the country.

The role is full-time in-office, based in Odesa, Ukraine.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the DRO/FAO Ukraine Head of Office, the direct supervision of the Head of Office in Odesa and the technical guidance of the project’s Lead Technical Officer (LTO). The Project Coordinator is also expected to work in close coordination with other relevant project staff and local stakeholders as deem appropriate and functional to the delivery of responsibilities and outputs.   

Technical Focus

Under the project for “Safeguarding Livelihoods by Supporting Small Wine Producers Through the Food Coalition”, FAO will support the development of small wine producers Zakarpatska and in Odeska oblasts through matching grants schemes. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall supervision and implementation of the Project in the designated areas of operation.

Tasks and responsibilities

Specifically, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks: 

•    Coordinate the implementation of the Project in the designated areas of the country.
•    Take lead in preparation of the Project work plan, procurement plan, travel plans and other programmatic and operational documents required to facilitate smooth implementation of the Project under his/her supervision.
•    In close coordination with other FAO Ukraine divisions, prepare Letters of Agreement, Memorandums of Understanding and other operational instruments to facilitate implementation of the project activities.
•    Provide technical input in preparation of the Project profile, concept notes and project briefs.
•    Facilitate day-to-day interaction with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to support implementation of the Project activities.
•    Ensure sound dissemination and programmatic use of project-related information harnessing the tools provided by FAO Ukraine for such purpose as info-grams, dashboards, factsheets, bulletins, etc.
•    In close coordination with FAO Ukraine MEAL (Monitoring Evaluation Accounting and Learning) team, Technical Experts and other FAO Ukraine sections to prepare and draft progress and final reports for the Project under his/her coordination.
•    Prepare updates on the progress of all ongoing activities and any upcoming events observing FAO MEAL Standard procedures.
•    Assist with provision of project-related information that is required to contribute with technical and programmatic discussions at national level.
•    Ensure the corporate image of FAO at all fora and all activities on the ground are technically sound and meet expectations of government, donors and the local communities.
•    Support day-to-day and provide technical guidance to FAO staff deployed in Odesa, particularly the team supporting the implementation of the Project.
•    Collaborate with Technical Advisors and technical officers/division in FAO as per the needs of the Project under her/his supervision.
•    Perform any other tasks as necessary. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
  
•    University degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Economics, Rural Development, or a related technical field
•    At least 5 years of relevant practical experience in agriculture, rural development, value chain management, or similar fields.
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of English
•    Working knowledge or Native (Level C) of Ukrainian
•    National of Ukraine

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Advanced university degree is desirable
•    Previous experience with the UN system or relation work for a donor organization, consulting company or NGO is a strong advantage
•    Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Exchange)
•    Ability to take ownership and accountability for assigned processes and to work autonomously 
•    Ability to work quickly and under pressure 
•    Attention to detail and the ability to apply standard operation procedures and corporate policies with the utmost accuracy and transparency
•    Experience in review of grant applications and beneficiary documents verification will be considered an advantage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION