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- 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 GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), launched in 1992, provides financial and technical support to civil society and community-based organizations (CSOs/CBOs) to deliver global environmental benefits while improving local livelihoods. The programme provides financial and technical support to civil society and community-based organizations to implement projects in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable land management. By leveraging FAO’s expertise in agrifood systems, SGP Tajikistan aims to harmonize environmental sustainability with local livelihoods and food security through grassroots innovation.
In Tajikistan, FAO is now implementing the Eighth Operational Phase (OP8) of the SGP. This phase, often referred to as "SGP 2.0," leverages FAO’s specialized expertise in agrifood systems, forestry, and fisheries to strengthen the link between environmental sustainability and food security.
The main aim of FAO country offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments in developing policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition; to support the development of agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors; and to promote the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.
The SGP National Coordinator (NC) will be based in FAO Tajikistan in Dushanbe.
Reporting Lines
The National Coordinator will report to the FAO Representative. He/She will work closely with the designated SGP focal points in FAO Tajikistan, the Global Program Management Team in OCB (GPMT), and the National Steering Committee (NSC), and will serve as the main counterpart for SGP grantees and other country stakeholders.
The performance of the NC will be assessed jointly by FAO Tajikistan and the GPMT.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will be responsible for project activities in Tajikistan across various components. All work must be carried out in close coordination with government partners and other national stakeholders.
Tasks and Responsibilities
• Lead the national SGP workforce, where applicable; support capacity building and track team performance
• Coordinate closely with FAO Tajikistan, GPMT, and country programme stakeholders, including members of the NSC and local partners
• Support the NSC throughout the project cycle, particularly during selection, award phases, reviews, deliberations, meetings, and reporting
• Develop the Annual Work Plan, including strategic and innovative activities, budget planning, and monitoring/supervision arrangements
• Coordinate the design, implementation, and periodic review of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) with the NSC
• Monitor national environmental and socio-economic conditions relevant to the GEF SGP programme and advise on their implications
• Pre-screen SGP proposals and support CSOs/CBOs throughout application, incubation, and acceleration phases, ensuring alignment with SGP OP8 procedures and ESMF requirements
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to SGP grantees
• Oversee and manage the country SGP allocation in line with FAO ethical and financial standards
• Ensure due diligence, financial verification, and compliance with contractual agreements prior to grant disbursement
• Provide oversight and quality assurance across the SGP portfolio (design, implementation, reporting stages)
• Ensure regular monitoring of the portfolio through communication and field visits
• Liaise continuously with GPMT to report on implementation status and progress
• Support monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes, including Mid-Term Reviews and Terminal Evaluations
• Document lessons learned, identify best practices, and promote knowledge sharing to inform future programming
• Strengthen synergies between GEF-SGP and other GEF/GCF projects; foster partnerships with private sector, donors, and development partners for co-financing and scaling
• Lead advocacy and resource mobilization efforts to complement GEF SGP funding
• Act as the main SGP focal point at the country level, engaging stakeholders through dialogue, outreach, and communication initiatives
• Perform other duties as required to ensure effective programme implementation
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economics, Public Policy, Law, Environmental Economics/Management, Business Administration, or a related field
OR
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the above fields combined with two additional years of relevant experience
• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of relevant experience in managing environmental/natural resource management projects at national or local levels
• Working knowledge of English and Tajik;
• National of Tajikistan
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and other standard digital tools
• Ability to manage and analyze data using spreadsheets and electronic tools
• Experience using computers, office software packages, and web-based management systems
• Strong analytical and technical report-writing skills
• Computer literacy, including spreadsheets, databases, and electronic systems
• Working knowledge of Russian is an advantage
Selection Criteria
• Progressively responsible experience in project or programme management at national and/or international level
• Proven experience in the design, management, and M&E of UN or development projects, including results-based management
• Experience in GEF-SGP thematic areas at the national level
• Knowledge of FAO strategic programmes and operational policies
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments (NGOs, CSOs, government, etc.)
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
• 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/.These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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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