Program Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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: 
•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
•    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.   

Kenya's agricultural sector is vital to its economy and supports millions of people, but it faces significant threats from climate change and unsustainable farming practices. These issues are particularly severe in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), where most residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, and are experiencing heightened food insecurity due to unpredictable rainfall and increasing temperatures
The \"Transforming Livelihoods through Climate Resilient, Low Carbon, Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc\" project (GCP/KEN/116/GCF) aims to revitalize six critical value chains: dairy, poultry, coffee, tea, fruit trees, and African leafy vegetables. The initiative seeks to enhance food security, boost climate resilience, and promote profitable, climate-smart enterprises. 

Its specific objectives include: Facilitating the transfer and scaling up of climate-resilient, low-emission technologies throughout all production stages, from farming to consumption. Directly assisting over 63,000 smallholder farmers through FAO-led farmer field schools, with an additional 80,000 benefiting via cooperatives, incorporating gender-sensitive support. Creating replicable models for other regions to ensure lasting impact beyond the duration of the project.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.

The grade of the position is SC10.

Reporting Lines

The Program Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, the direct supervision of the AFAOR-Programmes, and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officers from the FAO Regional Office for Africa (Sub-Regional Office of Eastern Africa). 

Technical Focus

The Project Coordinator will ensure the effective implementation of the “Transforming Livelihoods through Climate Resilient, Low Carbon, Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc” “GCP/KEN/116/GCF” accordance with project document and implementation plan, optimizing the use of project resources and inputs to achieve project objectives. The Project Coordinator will supervise other national and international consultants on project implementation. A strong understanding of climate-smart agriculture, value chain development, agroforestry production system and gender-sensitive approaches in the Kenyan context is required.

Tasks and responsibilities

 Overall Project Management Unit (PMU) Management:

•    Oversee hiring of affiliate workforce, including developing and/or reviewing Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce, the publication of calls to attract candidates for vacancies, and conducting the selection process, including interviews.
•    Manage and supervise the day-to-day operational tasks of the PMU and supervise PMU affiliate workforce (administrative, financial, procurement, travel, and other support staff) as per their individual ToRs.
•    Review and approve monthly work plans from PMU specialists, ensuring implementation of assigned tasks (including Annual Workplan and Budget (AWPBs), procurement plans, recruitment, budgeting, logistics, and field visits).
•    Oversee PMU staff performance, preparing and submitting annual performance assessments to the FAO Representative in Kenya.
•    Ensure adherence to the AWPB and Project Implementation Manual (PIM) according to FAO and GCF guidelines.
•    Report project progress to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and organize regular reporting and meetings among PSC members.

 Project Operations:

•    Support the CTA in the development and review of the project Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), highlighting key milestones, deliverables, and KPIs for project personnel.
•    Review and approve project technical personnel work plans, including travel plans.
•    Ensure effective, data-driven, and evidence-based planning, allocation, and management of GCF and co-financier resources, coordinating closely with the PMU Financial Manager and promptly informing the CTA of any delays or issues.
•    Coordinate with co-financers in the implementation of project activities, especially co-financed initiatives.
•    Oversee the development, negotiation, and management of Operational Partner Agreements (OPA) with Executing Entities (EEs) and provide technical guidance to EEs/Operational Partners (OPs).
•    Lead the design and regular review (with the CTA and relevant PMU staff) of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM), Procurement Plan (PP), and financial plan, ensuring timely drafting, approval, and operationalization of procurement of services, supplies, and goods in line with FAO procurement policy.
•    Coordinate the development of Expressions of Interest (EoIs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), tenders/Invitations to Bid (ITBs), or Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring alignment with project agreements, outcomes, and FAO/GCF requirements. Participate in evaluation committees to ensure compliance and submit final versions to the CTA for clearance.
•    Participate in field missions to monitor activity-based progress in targeted areas and prepare for the project closure phase.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Reporting:

•    Monitor project progress regularly and report to the management and CTA based on the Project M&E Manual, incorporating information from implementation partners, consultants, service providers (NGOs, academia, consulting firms), suppliers, and government staff.
•    Identify potential risks in project implementation and propose solutions.
•    Support the CTA in supervising M&E officers to ensure coherence with project component requirements, including co-financed activities.
•    Support the organization of Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM) quality assurance activities (spot checks and audits) and FAO project supervision.
•    Assist in FAO project supervision, interim independent evaluations, and final independent evaluations in close coordination with the FAO Country Office and the FAO Independent Office of Evaluation (OED).
•    Oversee knowledge management and dissemination of project outputs.
•    Review project documentation such as meeting minutes, workshop proceedings, and communication materials including briefing notes, project summaries, and newsletters.
•    Be responsible for preparing and ensuring the quality of project and financial reports required for FAO and GCF.

Communication, Dissemination, and Partnership:

•    Support the CTA and the communication officer in developing a communication strategy.
•    Oversee the dissemination of project progress, success stories, and best practices through the project webpage, social media, press releases, and other communication tools.

Other Duties:

•    Assist the CTA in developing annual performance assessments for PMU staff.
•    Perform other relevant tasks as assigned by the FAO Representative in Kenya.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in agriculture, rural development, project management, or a related field.
•    At least 8 years of relevant experience in managing development projects, preferably with experience in climate-smart agriculture and/or value chain development.
•    Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili
•    National of Kenya

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Proven experience in large scale project management including partnership development and coordination with various stakeholders 
•    Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.

Selection Criteria 

•    Experience working with international organizations (such as FAO and/or GCF) will be an added advantage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION