Senior Programme Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, advancing the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, in line with the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. Environmental sustainability and resilience are integral to FAO’s strategic objectives and operations, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

This vacancy announcement is for a Senior Programme Coordinator, who will provide technical and strategic support to the implementation of resilience programmes in conflict-affected regions of Georgia. The position is anchored in close collaboration with the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) and will play a key role in strengthening programme coordination, supporting adaptive and conflict-sensitive approaches, and advising the Regional Office on resource mobilization and strategic partnerships, including engagement with donors, international financial institutions and development partners.

The FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) leads FAO’s response to regional priorities on food security, agriculture and rural development. It oversees Country Offices and the Subregional Office for Central Asia, ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programming, and coordinates the formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of FAO’s programmes and budget in the region. REU also leads engagement with regional institutions, the UN Regional Architecture, and the preparation of Regional Conferences and statutory bodies, while promoting an integrated and efficient business model in line with FAO’s Internal Control Framework.

The FAO Country Office in Georgia supports national efforts to strengthen agrifood systems, enhance resilience, and promote inclusive rural development, with particular attention to conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. Working closely with national counterparts, UN partners and development actors, the FAO Country Office designs and implements programmes aligned with national priorities, the FAO Strategic Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The Senior Programme Coordination Specialist will work in close coordination with the FAO Country Office in Georgia to ensure coherence, impact and sustainability of resilience interventions on the ground.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Regional Programme Leader for Europe and Central Asia FAO Representative in Georgia in close collaboration with the national teams in Georgia and the partnership and resource mobilization teams in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia

Technical Focus

Provide support and advise to the programme team in Georgia and specifically Abkhazia and carry out technical support in the area of resource mobilization and partnership including leading multidisciplinary programme formulation teams either in the Regional Office for Europe or globally with travel in the Region and globally as required.

Tasks and responsibilities

Programme and Project Management in Georgia
•     Provides overall leadership and strategic guidance for planning, implementation and monitoring of FAO Conflict Prevention Portfolio 
•     Supervises and ensure effective functioning of the FAO Project Offices in Sukhumi and Zugdidi including staff management, premises, equipment and office security;
•     Lead Project Steering Committee and Project Task force meetings, ensuring alignment with FAO Strategic Objective in Georgia and compliance with donor requirements.
•     Review, clear, and endorse project work plans, reports, and outputs in line with approved log frames, budgets and organizational standards. 
•     Oversee monitoring of project budgets, review and approve budget revisions and ensure accurate and timely financial and narrative reporting;
•     Ensure complete and high-quality project data and documentation in FAO corporate systems (FPMIS and others)
•     Supervise all staff under the FAO Project Office in Sukhumi and Zugdidi, including technical, operational and administrative personnel and provide managerial guidance;
•     Oversee administrative and operational support functions to ensure timely and efficient delivery of project activities 
•     Leads resource mobilization efforts for the FAO Conflict Prevention Portfolio in Georgia, including identification of funding opportunities, preparation of project proposals, and coordination of project appraisals. 
•     Support liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Minister of Reconciliation (SMR) as well as coordination with members of the Abkhazia Support Partnership (ASP) including UN Agencies and Geneva International Discussions (GID) and represent FAO as required and in absence of the FAOR.

Resource Mobilization and Partnership Support in Europe and Central Asia and Globally

•     Supports REU in resource mobilization efforts with particular emphasis on the European Union; 
•     Provides support and leads project formulation for projects at country including document preparation for possible tenders 
•     Support the other country offices in the Region in resource mobilisation through direct discussion with EU officials in Brussels in support to the efforts of resource mobilisation by the Country Office as required.
•     Develop technical documents to inform REU officials on policy changes in terms of EU regulations (European Common Policy in Agriculture, Green Deal, West Balkan Growth Plans, Ukraine Facility, Multiannual Financial Framework MFF) and how REU programmes can better take advantage to align its programmes with EU funding priorities as required.
•     Develop project proposals for regional or global funding projects funded by the European Union or other funding partners. 
•     Interacts with regional teams in REU and global teams in FAO HQ related to resource mobilization with the European Union
•     Provide support to other FAO units in HQ or country offices in other regions as required regarding resource mobilization 
•     Lead multidisciplinary project formulation teams and missions as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, forestry or related technical areas linked to FAO mandate. 
•     Ten (10) years of relevant experience in project or programme management
•     Working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Russian will be an advantage.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Excellent communication skills, proven ability to convey complex ideas through clear and effective oral presentations.
•     Good skills in resource mobilization as well as inter-personal relations. 
•     Proven experience in conceptualising and writing complex and large proposals for EU funding.
•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable. 
•     Extent and relevance of experience and skills in programme management. 
•     Computer literacy with spreadsheets, databases and electronic programmes is an asset. 
•     Quality of both oral and written communication skills. 
•     Demonstrated understanding of agricultural sector in the region.
•     Work experience in programme development in the region will be a strong asset
•     Demonstrated experience in resource mobilisation and conceptualisation of programmes/projects in FAO’s mandate related topics.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in programme and project management at field level.