Organizational Setting
The Green Agriculture Initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance interregional learning and create an enabling environment for greening agrifood systems in Europe and Central Asia. This initiative is expanding beyond the Europe and Centra Asia region with the launch of the Green Connect project. The initiative advances interregional learning by further developing the Regional Technical Platform on Green Agriculture, creating an enabling environment for greening agrifood systems. The Green Connect project offers a multifaceted approach, inspired by exemplary models and experiences from various regions, covering technical areas such as natural resources, biodiversity, green production, supply chain, consumption, and food loss and waste. It promotes knowledge-sharing through the Green Practices Repository, policy analysis, expert webinars, capacity building, cross-regional study tours, innovation labs, and on-the-ground pilot programs
The project supports the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31, focusing on sustainable, inclusive and resilient agriculture and efficient management of natural resources. The Initiative aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing, policy analysis, capacity building, and cross-regional collaboration to promote green agriculture practices and innovative approaches. It leverages digital technologies to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, youth, and women, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to greening agrifood systems.
The project will build on the existing FAO Regional Technical Platform on Green Agriculture, enhancing the Green Practices Repository, organizing expert webinars, facilitating study tours, and establishing innovation labs. It will also focus on scaling up successful green agriculture practices and strategies across regions, aiming to drive a transition towards more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems.
Reporting Lines
The Project Coordinator works under the overall guidance and supervision of the Agricultural Officer and Regional Coordinator for natural resources management, biodiversity and climate change priority program.
Technical Focus
The Project Coordinator will ensure the successful implementation of the Green Agriculture Initiative, focusing on technical quality, stakeholder engagement, and interregional knowledge-sharing. The role involves coordinating, monitoring and reporting daily project activities, managing resources, and ensuring alignment with the broader FAO strategic objectives, particularly those related to green agriculture, climate change, and socio-economic development.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Oversee the day-to-day project management and implementation, ensuring timely delivery of project outputs and adherence to budgetary constraints;
• Coordinate the work of consultants and project personnel, providing guidance and supervision to ensure high-quality outputs;
• Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.
• Coordinate actions with FAO regional offices (RLC, RNE, RAF, RAP and RNE) to achieve project goals;
• Oversee the improvement of the Regional Technical platform in coordination with relevant departments;
• Oversee preparation of the e-learning course on green agriculture;
• Prepare and update annual work plans, facilitating the smooth implementation of the project;
• Plan, budget and organize conferences, webinars, and study tours in collaboration with the project team;
• Engage with regional and national stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, to enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing;
• Lead the preparation of project reports, including inception, semi-annual, and terminal reports, providing comprehensive updates on project progress, challenges, and recommendations;
• Ensure effective financial management, including preparing financial forecasts and monitoring expenditures;
• Facilitate the work of international and national consultants, ensuring their contributions meet project requirements and are delivered on time;
• Organize and participate in meetings with the project team, expert working group, and other relevant bodies, ensuring effective communication and coordination among stakeholders;
• Conduct impact assessments and document lessons learned to inform future projects and initiatives;
• Promote the visibility of the project through the preparation and dissemination of awareness-raising materials;
• Supervise the maintenance of project records, ensuring accurate and timely reporting;
• Perform other duties as required to ensure the successful implementation of the project and regional priority program on Natural Resources (RPP-NR);
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in social, business administration, agricultural, environmental science, ecology and natural resources management, or another field relevant to the work of the Organization
• Seven years of relevant experience in project coordinating/ programme management in international organizations
• Working knowledge of English and Russian
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management
• Extent and relevance of experience in operational and administrative tasks, particularly in event organization and budget administration.
• Working experience with ministries, institutions at country level
• Capacity to adopt new approaches and practices as well as demonstrated commitment in promoting participatory and bottom-up approaches;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Familiarity with the environmental and social safeguard requirements of the FAO;
• Knowledge or ability to understand FAO Rules and Regulations;
• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: environmental sustainability, green policies, green agriculture;
• Extent and relevance of experience in leading and preparing flagship publications, quality of analytical writing and oral communication skills, including publication record;
• Working experience in Europe and Central Asia region
• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO
• Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multi-stakeholder project