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The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.
The Strategy and Knowledge Department (SKD) provides expert guidance on IFAD's strategic direction, thematic priorities, and technical quality of IFAD's operations. It plays a critical role in providing technical expertise to operational teams to enhance development effectiveness, by generating and disseminating IFADโs development knowledge and evidence on strategic themes and encouraging innovative application of cutting- edge global knowledge and evidence in IFAD investments to support countries tackle their most complex development challenges in fostering inclusive and sustainable rural transformation. SKD is composed of the (i) Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division (ECG); the (ii) Sustainable Production, Markets, and Institutions Division (PMI); and the (iii) Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA).
Background and Purpose of the Assignment
The National Coordinator is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Joint Programme โAccelerating Progress towards Rural Womenโs Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE)โ in Pacific Islands Countries. The Joint Programme is a five-year programme implemented through a partnership between FAO, IFAD, UN Women and WFP. The programme generates synergies that capitalize on each Agency's mandate, comparative advantages and institutional strengths to generate lasting and large-scale improvements in the lives of rural women. The programme aims to secure the livelihoods, rights and resilience of rural women in the context of sustainable development and Agenda 2030 and focuses on four key outcomes for rural women:ย
(1) improved food security and nutrition; (2) increased incomes to sustain livelihoods and build resilience; (3) increased voice and agency for full leadership and participation in rural communities and governance structures, and (4) more gender-responsive policy environment for the economic empowerment of rural women.
The joint programme in Pacific Islands Countries is part of the global JP RWEE initiative, currently being implemented in five countries. The implementation of the JP in Pacific Islands Countries is managed through IFAD as the lead agency, and overseen by a National Steering Committee, consisting of senior representatives of the four participating agencies and government representatives.ย
Implementation of the programme is monitored and supported by a Technical Working Group, consisting of technical focal points of each of the four agencies. A Programme Management Unit, situated within the lead agency, consisting of a National Coordinator and a MEAL Coordinator oversees the management and implementation of the programme. The National Coordinator leads, coordinates and oversees the implementation of the programme and collaborates closely with JP RWEE stakeholders.
ECG takes the lead in mainstreaming cross-cutting themes of environmental sustainability and climate change resilience, nutrition-sensitivity, gender equality and womenโs empowerment and inclusion of rural youth and indigenous peoples through an integrated approach.
Job Role ย
IFAD is looking for a qualified consultant based in Suva to coordinate the JPRWEE project in Pacific Islands Countries. The consultant's contract will be for a maximum of 190 days per calendar year. The National Coordinator is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the JP RWEE in Pacific Islands Countries. The Consultant will be expected to assume the responsibilities as listed below.
Key Functions and Results ย
The National Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination, management and implementation of the Joint Programme and for liaising with key stakeholders. She/he will work in close collaboration with the technical focal points of the four participating agencies to ensure smooth programme implementation and will liaise with senior participating agency staff and government representatives with regards to the governance of the programme. She/he will play a critical role in ensuring that synergies are built and that strong coordination and communication between participating agencies, implementing partners, and government is in place. She/he will represent the Joint Programme with government and external stakeholders and ensure strong visibility of the programme. She/he will also participate in coordination processes organized by the Global Coordination Unit and in global level learning forums in order to enable cross fertilization and the sharing of good practice on a wider scale. The National Coordinator represents the JP RWEE in country. She/he is based within the lead agency and collaborates closely with the four participating agencies.
Specific responsibilities include the following:
Coordination
Manage the coordination mechanisms of the JP RWEE, serving as the overall manager of the programme for internal (participating organisations) and external partners (implementing partners, government and other stakeholders); Organize and facilitate monthly meetings with the Technical Working Group; Organize the annual National Steering Committee meeting and other meetings with government representatives and JP RWEE stakeholders as needed; Organize and facilitate a coordination platform between the participating agencies, implementing partners and other local stakeholders including local government on a bi-annual basis and as needed; Coordinate and oversee the organization of multi-stakeholder forums and/or events; Liaise with and provide updates to senior management (including for the RCO) and government representatives as required; Provide regularly updates and respond in a timely manner to requests for information by the Global Coordination Unit; Attend National Coordinator meetings organised by the Global Coordination Unit.Programme Management and Implementation
Ensure a timely start up to the programme in line with inception/start-up plans; Ensure that systems for programme planning, implementation and monitoring are in place; Oversee the implementation of the programme in line with the approved proposal document and the annual work plan; Oversee the development of the annual workplan and budget, including review and provision of feedback to the four participating agencies and submit the workplan to the Global Coordinator, ensuring adherence to requirements; With the technical working group, address any challenges to implementation and identify solutions in a timely manner; Organise and participate joint field visits to the programme between the participating agencies, and field visits with government representatives as appropriate; Ensure that programme expenditure occurs as per the approved workplan and respond to any overspends/underspends in a timely manner; Ensure that programme performance indicators and milestones established by the Global Coordination Unit are met and put in place improvement measures as needed; Encourage programme innovation and ensure agencies maximise their relevant technical expertise.Monitoring and Reporting
Knowledge Management and Learning
Oversee the development and implementation of a knowledge management plan for the programme; Ensure that a culture of learning is developed across the programme and that wider agency take-up of programme methodologies is encouraged; Organise and facilitate experience sharing, including with participating agencies, implementing partners and beneficiaries; Identify good practices and lessons learned from the programme implementation, and document this knowledge for wider replication and use; Ensure the regular use of the programmeโs globally managed knowledge management by the participating agencies, and make contributions to the platform as appropriate; Participate in learning and knowledge management processes organised by the Global Coordination Unit and contribute to cross fertilisation and South-South learning within the wider global programme.Communications
With the support of the Global Coordination Unit, develop a simple communications plan and ensure its implementation;ย Contribute to the development of communication products that promote programme visibility.Programme governance and supportย
Support the JP RWEE MEAL Coordinator;ย Identify opportunities for capacity building of partners and facilitate technical/ programming support and trainings to partners, as needed, particularly in relation to gender equality; Liaise with the Global Coordinator regarding issues relating to Fund requirements; Ensure the efficient signing of programme documents and submission of funds transfer requests; Ensure ToRs are in place for the governance and coordination mechanisms of the fund and are reviewed as appropriate.Working Relationships ย
The National Coordinator reports to the Senior Technical Specialist, Beatrice Gerli, on Gender and Social Inclusion based in IFAD Rome and will closely work with IFAD Country Director for Pacific Island States and the Country Team based in Suva. The national coordinator will also have accountability to the JP RWEE Global Coordinator, based in WFPโs headquarters in Rome.ย
Job Profile Requirements ย
Education
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as international development, project management, or a related discipline. Possession of a master's degree in a relevant field, such as international development or project management, is considered advantageous.Experience
At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in project coordination, management, and implementation, preferably in the field of international development or related areas. Proven experience in liaising with key stakeholders, including government representatives, implementing partners, and international organizations. Experience in joint programming and partnerships is considered an advantage.Skills & Qualities
Strong organizational and managerial skills for complex project oversight. Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Excellent skills in programme management, including planning, implementation, and monitoring. Strong knowledge and understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems design and management. Experience of managing programme budgets. Ability to think strategically.ย Commitment to gender equality and promoting gender-sensitive programs. Knowledge management expertise and the ability to facilitate learning. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with fund management and administration. Proactive, results-oriented team player.Additional Requirements
Residency/work authorization in Suva, Pacific Islands Countries. Availability for up to 190 days annually as per contract. Flexibility to engage in virtual meetings outside of regular hours when necessary.Other Information
Applicants to this call for interest will undergo a first level screening and those candidates meeting the minimum requirements will undergo a more in-depth assessment, including written tests and interviews.
As per provisions on maximum contract duration under the Handbook on consultants and other persons hired by IFAD under a non-staff contract, the number of days in which services can be rendered in any 12-month period is limited to 190, and the number of days in which services can be rendered in any 60-month period is limited to 960. This specific assignment is for 180 days over a one year period, with possibility of extension depending on performance, funding availability and overall ceiling, up to 240 days over a 12 month period.
Consultants are not considered staff of IFAD. An eventual consultancy assignment does not carry any expectation of employment, extension or conversion to another type of contract with the IFAD. In the interest of making most cost-effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for written tests and interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.
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