National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. For the period 2022-2026, the FAO Office in Zimbabwe is supporting Government efforts through the Country Programme Framework (CPF) which is based on three pillars:

(i) Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition

(ii) Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats and crisis;

(iii) Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection.

The Urban peri-urban Resilience through Investment for Sustainable Ecosystems in Zimbabwe (URISE) project addresses challenges from rapid urbanization, ecosystem degradation, and food system vulnerabilities in the major metropolitan cities of Zimbabwe — Harare and Bulawayo. The Project objective: To enhance community and ecosystem resilience to stress caused by urbanization and climate change by preserving green and blue ecosystem services through nature-based solutions (e.g., wetland rehabilitation, reforestation, agroforestry) and promoting circular economy practices and sustainable food systems for low-income communities in urban and peri-urban areas.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, in close collaboration with A/FAOR-Programmes, with further reporting and guidance from the relevant FAO Lead Technical Officer of the project, Regional Office for Africa and technical divisions at FAO Headquarters (HQs).

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of Urban and peri-urban Resilience through Investment for Sustainable Ecosystems in Zimbabwe (U-RISE) project activities in line with the proposed budget to reach defined objectives.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the successful implementation of project activities in line with the proposed budget to reach defined objectives. S/he will also provide overall guidance, technical support and coordination of the project. In particular, the incumbent will:

• Coordinate the project through work planning, budget management, monitoring and evaluation and follow-up with the implementing partners to ensure all activities are implemented in accordance with the results-based logical framework, workplan and approved budget.

• Provide technical backstopping for the smooth implementation of the project and ensure consistency among the various components of the project and related activities, as foreseen in the project document and log-frame.

• Lead the procurement of all goods and services for the project and ensure contractual compliance for contractual work.

• Ensure regular communication with all project stakeholders and with the Ministry of Environment Climate and Wildlife, Ministry of Local Government, UN Agencies, NGO Consortia, Private sector, Cities of Harare and Bulawayo, and the Donor in preparation and approval of the annual work plans and budgets, and ensure timely approval by the Project Task Force (PTF);

• Represent FAO in Urban resilience building technical discussions and in the Project Management Unit.

• Manage the human, material and financial resources allocated to the project for efficient and timely project implementation and delivery under the Budget-Holder (BH) supervision.

• Lead the production of all required Project Progress reports in line with donor requirements and guidelines maintaining quality (in close cooperation with the BH and the LTO and in consultation with the Project Task Force and alert the BH and the LTO of potential problems that could result in delays during implementation.

• Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.

• Provide support in the preparation of contracts, letters of agreement with project partners in close collaboration with the BH and LTO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Business Management, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in project management/operations and support,

• Working knowledge (level C) of English

• National of Zimbabwe

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

• Experience in forestry, natural resources management, climate and environmental project formulation is an added advantage

• Knowledge of FAO and experience with FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring and reporting is an asset

• Knowledge of local specifics (socio-economic situation and livelihood options) in rural areas around Zimbabwe.

• Experience in working with the urban communities and local institutions.

• Good knowledge of corporate information systems

• Good analytical and writing skills

• Good communication and advocacy skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION