National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

Under the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2021-2025, FAO China works closely with Chinese national partners to 1) support people, prosperity, better production and better nutrition through rural revitalization; 2) protect the planet, and better environment through sustainable and resilient agrifood systems; and 3) enhance partnerships and a better life through international and regional cooperation. 
In the context of CPF, FAO China cooperates with various partners, operating projects with focus on fostering innovations on digital agriculture, and healthy diets for all, to contribute to the rural revitalization strategy and the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in China. 

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in China and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officers from the Regional Office of Asia and the Pacific, as well as Headquarters of FAO.

Technical Focus

The NPC will provide required administrative and technical support to coordinate and implement project activities at national level. S/he will ensure effective management of the project financial resources through close contacts and guidance of the FAO Representative and the LTO assigned to the project. S/he will work closely with FAO China team to contribute to the operations of the country office. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•      Coordinate the planning and implementation of the project activities and the programme of innovation and partnership, taking a lead in developing work plan, procurement, consultancies, recruitment, logistics, budgeting and disbursements.
•      Establish close collaboration and working arrangements with an interdisciplinary team composed of experts from the PSC, NGOs, private sector and other professional associations, to ensure timely conduct of activities, including contractual arrangements.
•      Liaise with government departments and other partner organisations and projects, to ensure good coordination and collaboration.
•      Monitor and supervise the execution of activities sub-contracted to implementing partners, ensuring in particular close working relations with national and local authorities.
•     Inform the FAOR of problems and obstacles that need attention and specific assistance.
•     Prepare the terms of reference and identify consultants/institutions to undertake activities in accordance with the approved annual Work Plan, and submit required documentation to the LTO and other relevant Project Task Force (PTF) members and FAOR for approval.
•     Facilitate meetings and, as far as possible, ensure the timely and responsive delivery of outputs and reports.
•     Provide support to the LTO and FAOR backstopping missions and consultants visiting the project sites, including preparing itineraries, appointments and other logistical arrangements.
•     In consultation with the LTO and PSC determine dates, agendas, budgets and participation for the project related workshops, upon approval of these plans by the LTO and FAOR.
•     Undertake the organization and conduct of workshops and other training activities on innovation and partnership.
•     Work in close collaboration with the Project Steering Committee members providing them with periodical reports on the progress of project activities and issues arising.
•     Maintain close contacts with partners and projects, ensuring adequate communication of activities to the FAOR and all stakeholders, and invite and encourage multi-stakeholder participation, in particular local groups, in national activities and consultations as appropriate.
•     Prepare an annual national Work Plan for submission to the PSC, PTF and FAOR and updates periodically. The annual plan will comprise reviews of activities undertaken and/or completed over the last year, as well as proposals for project activities to be conducted the following year (scope, specifications and timeframe and expected products).
•     Undertake the financial control and ensure the fund is delivered as per the project objectives and the work plan and in line with FAO rules and regulations. 
•     Draft project progress reports and the terminal report.
•     Ensure that equipment, technical assistance and services are provided to beneficiaries efficiently and with timely action.
•     In close collaboration with the local authorities and the designated implementing partners, monitor the organisation of the training activities at all levels and in accordance with the annual work plans.
•     Liaise with government staff and the PSC to promote an enabling national environmental and regulatory environment that would facilitate innovation and partnership for agri-food systems transformation.
•     In close collaboration with the FAOR, mobilize funds/resources from other development partners and institutions to expand the initiative, and contribute to the overall portfolio of innovation and partnership.
•     Coordinate and manage other Extra-budgetary project development and implementation, such as EU funded projects
•     Support the development and implementation of one health related project/activity China, including leveraging support from both public and private partners on RENOFARM and InFARM, Livestock management plans – LEAP and GLEAM, sub-national operationalization of AMR NAPs, link with AMR reference centres on integrated surveillance, technical support and R&D, as well as other One Health related programme and projects at the country level.
•      Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Master’s degree or PhD in natural resources management, agriculture or related field.
•    At least five-seven years of working experience in agricultural and environmental management or related fields with recognized technical expertise.
•    Working knowledge of English and Chinese.
•    National of Chinese

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria 

•    Master’s degree or above in natural resource management, agriculture development, or related field.
•    Proven experience in international project management  including project formulation, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and reporting.
•    Demonstrated ability to work in and motivate a diverse team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.
•    Strong organizational skills including ability to provide strategic guidance, technical oversight, build strong teams, quick learning, develop work plan, and manage budgets and project expenditures.
•    Experience in networking with partners at all levels (ministry, local government, academia, private sector, NGOs and UN Agencies). Relevant work experience in managing EU funded programme could be an asset.
•    Demonstrated written, analytical, presentation, reporting and computing skills and familiarity with modern communication systems (internet, worldwide web, email, etc.).
 
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION