Organizational Setting

The primary purpose of FAO Country Offices, led by an FAO Representative, is to support governments in formulating policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition. These Offices work to enhance the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources to achieve sustainable agrifood systems.

FAO plays a pivotal role in advancing agricultural development and food security in Eritrea. Through strategic collaborations with various line ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), Ministry of Land, Water and Environment (MoLWE), Ministry of Finance and National Development and the Ministry of Local Government, FAO's technical support focuses on enhancing the resilience of agriculture-based rural livelihoods, which encompasses a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, herders, and fishing communities. FAO’s interventions aim to improve productivity, sustainable agricultural practices, and food security to enhance community livelihoods in alignment with the Government of the State of Eritrea’s Agriculture Sector Development Plan 2024-2028.

The position is based at the FAO Representation in Asmara, Eritrea.

Reporting Lines

The Project Coordinator will operate under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), closely cooperating with the programmatic and operational teams.

Technical Focus

The Project Coordinator will provide essential leadership and coordination for program and project operations as outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of project activities, ensuring alignment with FAO’s strategic objectives, the FAO Project Cycle Guidelines and guidance for Project Coordinator, and the needs of stakeholders.
• Monitor project budgets, ensuring proper allocation and compliance with financial rules and procedures; address and resolve any budget-related issues proactively.
• Collect and analyse data related to FAO activities, including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; prepare and format reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of work and travel plans; ensure timely completion of project activities and proper documentation of results.
• Facilitate effective communication within the project team and liaise with relevant FAO units (Procurement, Finance, HR) to support project operations.
• Coordinate activities related to stakeholder engagement and awareness campaigns, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Plan and organize technical workshops, training sessions, and field missions, ensuring logistical arrangements and successful execution.
• Support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess project outcomes and impact, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Maintain organized and systematic records of project documentation, ensuring accessibility for team members, FAO record keeping, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the procurement requests for project inputs, ensuring specifications and requirements are clearly defined, and processed.
• Provide and develop support in preparing Letters of Agreement (LoA) and other contractual arrangements with project partners.
• Draft reports, correspondence, and other documents related to project activities; maintain records of project activities and expenditures.
• Execute any other related tasks as required by management.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, agro-forestry, fisheries, agricultural economics, rural development, development studies, and project management, or a related field
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in project management, particularly in agriculture or food security-related initiatives, programming and program implementation, and technical cooperation
• Proficiency in English (level C)
• National of Eritrea

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven experience in managing projects and programs focused on agriculture and food security.
• Strong ability to analyse data and prepare reports, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

Selection Criteria

• Proficient in MS Office applications and familiarity with project management software.
• Academic qualifications relevant to the project management position.
• Extent of relevant experience in coordinating and supporting project operations and management.
• Demonstrated communication skills (oral and written) in English and local languages.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Candidate should provide evidence of completion/exemption from National Services.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.