Technical 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: 
•    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.  

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative in Pakistan and in close coordination with Assistant FAO Representative (Program), the incumbent will report to Provincial Head of office in performance of the following functions:

Technical Focus

•    Overall technical lead for the implementation of all four components of the project, associated outputs and activities and ensure technical soundness of project implementation.
•    Ensuring a high level of collaboration among participating institutions and organizations at the national and local levels.

Tasks and responsibilities

The TA/TC will oversee the technical implementation, management, and supervision of the project, on behalf of the National Project Director (NPD), and within the framework delineated by the Project Steering Committee (PSC). Ensuring compliance with all provisions of contractual agreements during project implementation, including timely reporting and financial management.
•    Coordinate and close monitoring and verify the implementation of project activities.
•    Track the project’s progress and ensure timely delivery of inputs and outputs. 
•    Provide technical support and assess the outputs of the project’s international and national affiliate workforce hired with GEF funds, as well as the products generated in the implementation of the project.
•    Support the accuracy and reliability of financial reports. 
•    Ensure timely preparation and submission of requests for funds, financial and progress reports to FAO.
•    Maintain documentation and evidence that describes the proper and prudent use of project resources as per contractual agreements, including making available this supporting documentation to FAO when requested.
•    Implement and manage the project’s monitoring and communications plans.
•    Organize project workshops and meetings to monitor progress and preparing the Annual Budget and Work Plan.
•    Prepare and submit the six-monthly Project Progress Reports (PPRs) with the Annual Workplan and Budget (AWP/B) to the PSC and FAO with support from the team.
•    Prepare the first draft of the Project Implementation Review (PIR) with support from the team.
•    Prepare and submit the mid-term and final evaluations, with support from the team and in close coordination with the FAO Budget Holder and the FAO Independent Office of Evaluation (OED).
•    Prepare and submit the six-monthly technical and financial reports to FAO, with support from the team, and facilitate the information exchange, if needed.
•    Inform the PSC and FAO of any delays and difficulties as they arise during the implementation to ensure timely corrective measures and support.
•    Undertake any other related duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in Agriculture (preferably Horticulture), Agriculture Economics/MBA in marketing /Agribusiness/ value chain development;
•    08 years of relevant experience in project implementation, reporting and financial management;
•    Working knowledge of English and local languages of Sindh;
•    National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Technical experience in development of agriculture related value chains; (preferably Banana Value Chains)
•    Experience working with different farmer associations and enterprises; 
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable; 
•    Understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines, and programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO, would be considered an added asset;
•    Should have extensive experience in communication and diffusion strategies and techniques, reporting, and documentation;

•    Excellent drafting skills and analytical thinking
•    Demonstrated ability to conduct research
•    Demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment
•    Willingness to travel
•    Ability to work independently, with initiative and minimal supervision
•    Good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations
•    Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards 
•    Display initiative and take responsibility for achieving agreed outputs within set deadlines and closely follow-up until successful outputs are achieved. 
•    Continue to seek new, innovative and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work assigned.
•    Identify and recommend remedial measures to address problems in systems design or implementation
•    Prior experience of working with a UN or INGO is an added advantage.

Selection Criteria 

•    Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION