Project Coordinator (Team leader)

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Setting

FAO’s Subregional Office for Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen (SNG) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for transforming food, agriculture and rural development priorities. It also develops and maintains relations with subregional wide institutions. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa region. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and SNG are implementing a 24-month project Master Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. The specific outcome of the project is to equip ADAFSA with a comprehensive planning and monitoring tool and a roadmap for the sustainable development of diversified and integrated agricultural production system in the three regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate (Al Ain, Al Dhafra and Abu Dhabi). The project will support the rollout of related investment programmes. By assisting ADAFSA to develop a Master Plan for the agricultural sector, the project contributes to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, approved by the Council of Ministers in May 2018. The Strategy lays the foundations to transform the food and agriculture sectors in the country.

The project activities will be geared towards four outputs and will lead to the development of a Master Plan through a sequential, logical, inclusive and consultation process. The key deliverables of the project will include: (a) a Theory of Change for the Master Plan; (b) a decision support tool; (c) preparatory studies to inform the Master Plan; and (d) the Master Plan document, based on the above deliverables.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the SNG Coordinator, in close coordination with the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and various technical departments at FAO Headquarters (HQs), in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator appointed by ADAFSA and FAO assigned taskforces, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for developing the theory of change, fine tuning the preparatory studies and drafting the master plan final documents. The incumbent will also be responsible for the overall coordination, operational planning, management, implementation and monitoring of all project’s activities of the assigned project.

Technical Focus

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall implementation of the project, including technical and managerial functions. He/she will lead a dedicated multidisciplinary Project Support Team – operating on short term assignments, recruited to provide specialized technical inputs to the project deliverables. The Project Coordinator will ensure that latest and best international practices and approaches are reflected in the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

• In collaboration with the FAO Investment Centre at FAO HQs, and other units concerned develop the Master Plan Theory of Change and draft the Master Plan document and the associated monitoring framework.
• Ensure high quality delivery of the project's outputs – detailed in a preliminary form in the Project Document, but to be finalized and agreed upon with ADAFSA, including: (a) a Theory of Change for the Master Plan; (b) a decision support tool; (c) preparatory studies to inform the Master Plan; and (d) the Master Plan document, based on the above deliverables.
• Review the existing policies and strategies of ADAFSA and any related strategies/ policies at the Emirate level.
• Coordinate the implementation of the project activities and manage the successful planning, monitoring and reporting of the project. In collaboration with the budget holder, plan and monitor the budget and ensure funds are spent within the agreed allocation and timeframe.
• Provide methodological support and continuous follow-up and guidance to the Project Support Team involved.
• Prepare a detailed project annual work plans, the logical framework matrix, including objectives, results and activities with objectively verifiable indicators, implementation arrangements and a detailed budget. Validate the work plan at the inception workshop.
• Based on the agreed work plan, define the Project Support Team expertise and draft the terms of references for the consultants to be hired to ensure timely achievement of project deliverables, including the thematic studies and the ADAFSA Master Plan.
• Establish and maintain a constructive relationship with ADAFSA and external stakeholders in support of the project in the focus areas.
• Monitor, identify and advise on challenges and risks facing the implementation of the project.
• Prepare the project inception, the periodical reports for ADAFSA and FAO on the progress, achieved and challenges and issues to be addressed. Ensure that the project final reports (terminal report) are prepared and submitted timely.
• With the support of the Project Support Team organize and facilitate the project inception workshop, the interim missions and workshops and the final workshop.
• Closely coordinate and collaborate with the ADAFSA National Project Coordinator in all project related activities.
• Perform related duties as deemed necessary by the SNG Coordinator.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agricultural economics or related discipline in agriculture.
• At least twelve years of demonstrated experience in agricultural development or providing strategic advice to governments of high-income countries.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian), preferably Arabic.

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 developing sector studies, agricultural transformation, strategic documents or national investment plans, providing technical advice in policy analysis to governments.
• Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme management, managing human and financial resources, and coordinating project activities.
• Experience in agricultural production systems particularly in arid agro ecological regions and in the context of limited agricultural and natural resources.
• Proven record of project cycle management experience, including strategic planning, budgeting, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
• Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills. Good interpersonal, influencing and communication skills. Proven team leadership and ability to work independently as required.
• Strong analytical ability, able to evaluate and to appraise critically quantitative and qualitative information.
• Good knowledge and pervious experience in agricultural large-scale mapping, zoning and modelling for strategic decisions systems and guidance.

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

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