National Programme Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Bangladesh is responsible for leading FAO's response to national and regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning, and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the country. It ensures a multi-disciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in Bangladesh and, in collaboration with Regional Office Asia and Pacific and the departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to the country priorities. The representation also supports the Regional Office Asia and Pacific with the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the country, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The Representation also develops and maintains relations with Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies, resource partners and other development institutions at the country level.

Reporting Lines

This is a SC 10 position under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh (FAOR), and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), the National Programme Coordinator t will carry out the following duties:

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee FAO’s work in Dhaka on emergency response and rehabilitation, resilience building and longer-term development programming;
• Actively promote synergies across projects, working in consultation with government partners, UN Agencies, NGOs and donors;
• In support to project-specific Field Monitors and Coordinators, oversee activity level planning and coordination with government partners;
• Oversee the design and implementation of letters of agreement (LOAs), development of technical specifications, procurement planning, staffing planning and capacity development strategies;
• Ensure timely reporting on projects to government, resource partners and donors;
• Manage relationships and work plans with Implementing Partners, ensuring high quality performance;
• Develop and oversee the design and clearance of Technical Specifications for activity inputs, procurement and distribution planning in coordination with technical and procurement staff from Dhaka, Bangkok and Rome offices;
• Contribute to the development and delivery of effective advocacy and partnership strategies, as well as the dissemination of information and lessons learned, in the framework of the knowledge management of the organization;
• Contribute to the preparation of programme briefs and comprehensive reports, including ad hoc reports, related to the programme in Dhaka, as well as project areas, ensuring timely dissemination of information to key stakeholders;
• Ensure adequate community consultation into program design and that Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) principles are adhered to and mainstreamed – in particular Grievance Monitoring and Address Mechanisms;
• Participate regular programme/project review meetings to ensure adherence to work plans, and that lessons learnt and best practices are adopted in a timely manner;
• Establish and maintain professional relationships and communication lines with National government offices and in particular, Department of Agriculture Extension, Fisheries, Forestry, Livestock Services and other relevant departments;
• Represent the Organization at inter-agency coordination meetings, task forces and working groups as required;
• Perform any other related tasks as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in agriculture, rural development, disaster risk reduction, forestry, fisheries, natural resources management or other field related to the work of the Organization;
• More than 10 years of relevant work experience including proven skills in programme management and coordination, ideally with experience in responding to humanitarian emergencies;
• National of Bangladesh.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience with coordinating activities with the ERD, MoA, MoEFCC, and other GOB department sis required;
• Professional experience in one or more of the thematic areas: agricultural extension, environment, forestry and/or livelihoods and is preferred;
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and practical execution;
• Ability to solve problems, use initiative, and manage work under limited supervision;
• Demonstrated team and programme management experience;
• Applicant must have a working knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English (written and verbal).