Organizational Setting
FAO is implementing the UNJP/ALB/020/UNJ โBusiness Partnership and Solutions for SDGsโ project to support sustainable agricultural practices, private sector engagement, and innovation-driven rural development in Albania. The project aligns with FAOโs strategic objectives, the CPF and the UNSDCF. To ensure effective implementation, FAO Albania is recruiting a Project Coordinator โ Sustainable Agriculture Specialist to oversee project execution, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-sharing efforts. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR) and in close coordination with the Programme Support Specialist, Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and the Operations Team.ย
Reporting Lines
The Consultant will report to Assistant FAO Representative in Albania.
Technical Focusย
Support the implementation and coordination of sustainable agriculture and rural development initiatives within the framework of the UNJP โBusiness Partnership and Solutions for SDGsโ project. Emphasis on sustainable production practices, value chain development, private sector engagement, and climate-resilient agriculture in alignment with FAO strategic priorities and national development frameworks. Ensure effective project delivery, monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and knowledge sharing.
Tasks and responsibilities
Project Management & Coordination:
โข ย ย Lead and oversee the day-to-day management and timely implementation of the project work plan, ensuring alignment with FAO and UNJP guidelines.
โข ย ย Develop detailed activity plans, procurement schedules and travel plans, in coordination with FAO Albania and REU teams;
โข ย ย Monitor project progress, ensuring timely delivery of activities and outputs;
โข ย ย Facilitate timely recruitment and coordination of the Project team, ensuring the right skills and expertise and cohesive approach
โข ย ย Develop Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultants, assist recruitment processes and supervise national and international consultants.
โข ย ย Provide administrative support to Technical Specialists/Consultants, ensuring timely and quality task delivery.
โข ย ย Ensure the project team follows up on recommendations from Technical Consultants.
โข ย ย Support the procurement process with the support of the Operations unit.
โข ย ย Hold periodic Project meetings and events to track progress, drafting meeting minutes.
Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting:
โข ย ย Oversee the preparation and implementation of the project M&E plan.
โข ย ย Work closely with REU technical officers for technical feedback.
โข ย ย Undertake field visits to monitor project activities.
โข ย ย Assess the impact of agricultural interventions, particularly in sustainable practices, agro-ecological methods, and rural development initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development:
โข ย ย Lead interactions with stakeholders, liaise with government agencies, and communicate project updates.
โข ย ย Coordinate UNJP activities with partner UN agencies.
โข ย ย Support the preparation and participation in the project steering comity and the FAO project task force Strengthen relationships with key institutions in Albania, including academia, municipalities, and private sector actors involved in sustainable agriculture.
โข ย ย Support the project visibility and knowledge management plan in collaboration with relevant teams
Additional Tasks:
โข ย ย Undertake any other relevant tasks assigned by the LTO and AFAOR to support efficient project implementation.
โข ย ย Support FAO country office in Albania in project-related requirements in close collaboration with AFAOR, and Programme support specialistย
โข ย ย Provide inputs to the work of experts related to value chain, integrated pest management (IPM) and soil management,
โข ย ย Provide expertise on sustainable practices in the agro-food sector: olive good practices (e.g. pruning, pest management, EU aligned machinery for collection, etc.), sustainable technologies for vegetable production
โข ย ย Support, foster and participate in initiatives related to agri-food innovation, sustainable practices and climate-smart agriculture.
โข ย ย Foster partnerships with academic institutions, research centers, and service providers for continuous knowledge exchange and innovation.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in a field related to agriculture, agribusiness, international development, project management, or a related discipline with two years of relevant experience;
โข ย ย Previous experience of at least 2 years with International cooperation projects and direct experience with United Nations modus operandi.
โข ย ย Excellent working-level knowledge of English.ย
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in the Western Balkans, is considered an asset.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating international cooperation projects related to sustainable agriculture, rural development, and value chain enhancement.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with government agencies, private sector actors, academic institutions, and rural communities.
โข ย ย Familiarity with sustainable agricultural practices, integrated pest management (IPM), value chain development, agri-food innovation, and climate-smart agriculture approaches.
โข ย ย Strong communication, reporting, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Selection Criteriaย
โข ย ย This position is under the COF.REG.LOC modality and is open only to individuals who are legally resident and authorized to work in Albania at the time of application.
โข ย ย Proven experience in comprehensive program management, communication, monitoring, and reporting, preferably with a focus on sustainable development or agro-processing;
โข ย ย Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship management, including engaging and collaborating with the private sector, the government, and local communities;
โข ย ย Preferably, practical working experience in sustainable agriculture, value chain development with a strong understanding of agro-processing, good agricultural practices, and sustainable agricultural practices.
โข ย ย On-field experience in agricultural sustainable practices, integrated pest management (IPM), water management, and greenhouse and open field management of crops in municipalities across the Western Balkans.
โข ย ย Demonstrated ability to work with high-level institutions and decision-makers in the Balkans to drive agricultural policy improvements and sustainable development initiatives.
โข ย ย Proven experience in event organization for project workshops and related high-level initiatives.
โข ย ย Strong computer and communications skills (oral, written, presentation)
โข ย ย Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, academia, private sector representatives, and rural communities.ย
โข ย ย Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, adapt to different cultural contexts, and facilitate effective collaboration among various actors.