Provincial Coordinator

Job Posting: 06/Sep/2023


Closure Date: 21/Sep/2023, 4:59:00 PM


Organizational Unit: FAPAK - FAO Representation in Pakistan


Job Type: Non-staff opportunities


Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)


Grade Level: N/A


Primary Location: Pakistan-Multan


Duration: 12 Months (extendable)


Post Number: N/A



IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture


• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply


• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values


• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination


• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks


• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The position is located in the FAO offices in Multan. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Pakistan focuses its efforts on poverty reduction, food security, sustainable livelihoods and rural development. FAO has partnered with the Government of Pakistan on research and development, training, extension services, and strengthening of the staff capacity in planning and policy-making. FAO Pakistan under the Green Climate Fund is implementing a project called Transforming Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management in Punjab and Sindh Provinces. The project aims to develop the country’s capacity to get and use the information it needs to cope with the impacts of climate change on agriculture and water management. The overall goal of the projects is to enhance the capacity of agricultural and pastoral sectors to cope with climate change, by up scaling farmers’ adoption of climate change adaptation technologies and practices through a network of already established Farmers Field Schools, and by mainstreaming climate change adaptation concerns and strategies into on-going agricultural development initiatives, policies and programming.

Modelling of climate change scenarios for Pakistan shows that if agriculture and water management in the Indus River Basin continue along a ‘business as usual’ pathway, increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation will pose severe threats to the future livelihoods of farmers and the Pakistani agricultural sector. In response to this challenge, aforementioned project will help shift Pakistan and Indus Basin agriculture from its current situation of high vulnerability toward an alternative paradigm wherein better information and farming practices will significantly increase resilience to climate change. To do this, the project will develop the country’s capacity to get and use the information it needs to cope with the impacts of climate change on agriculture and water management by putting in place state-of-the art technology (Component 1); building farmers resilience to climate change through skills, knowledge and technology (Component 2), and creating a wider enabling environment for continuous adaptation and expanded sustainable uptake of climate-resilient approaches (Component 3).

The detailed activities are described in the document uploaded on GCF website:
https://www.greenclimate.fund/document/transforming-indus-basin-climate-resilient-agriculture-and-water-management

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan and the Assistant FAO Representative (Program), the direct supervision of International Project Manager/Technical Advisor (TA) and in close coordination with the GCF team in Multan, the incumbent will undertake the following activities:

Technical Focus

Climate Resilient Agriculture, On-farm Water practices and technologies; Complex climate change adaptation and mitigation projects with multiple sources of financing.

The incumbent is responsible for providing oversight, technical guidance and support to the District Field Teams on Climate Resilient Agriculture and On-farm Water practices. He/ she will be responsible for the implementation of Component 2 of the project and assist the TA to ensure smooth implementation and quality assurance of the project.
He/ she will play a critical role in reporting on Component 2 ensuring the compliance and alignment of project actions GCF, FAO and government requirements.

Tasks and responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Planning:

• Responsible for the execution of technical activities related to project Component 2, development of technical specifications, terms of references, letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding required for the procurement, implementation and delivery of required services and goods through suppliers, service providers and implementing partners.


• Responsible for identifying opportunities and challenges in the market, agribusiness, agriculture production, and improved water management.


• Responsible for timely planning and implementation of project activities, including (but not limited to) analysis and assessments, curriculum development for training of trainers, monitoring and networking of the project.through liaison and co-ordination with the Sectorial Specialists and relevant counterparts


• Technically guide and support facilitators and field-based personnel in climate Resilient Agriculture and On-farm Water Management practices, technical topics, data collection, surveys, and preparation of background information on Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management.


• Work closely with technical and members of PPIU to ensure the timely planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of all project activities of Component 2.


• Perform assigned duties within the scope of technical competence as directed by Technical Advisor (TA)

Project Management and Implementation:

• Oversee the implementation of the provincial project activities of Component 2 in line with the approved project document and the project annual work-plan, ensure that provincial project deliverables of Component 2, performance indicators and milestones are met and put in place improvement measures as needed;


• Guide in the preparation of district-specific work plans aligned with project activities of Component 2 as outlined in the project document and in accordance with the project's overall and annual work plan


• Guide and provide quality assurance to inputs from Provincial Project Implementation Unit (PPIU) members and the District Project Implementation Units ( DPIU) and collate, prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Project Management Unit (PMU) and FAO Representation


• Maintain vigilant oversight of Component 2 advancement to ensure alignment with committed obligations to both the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Punjab Government.


• Support the TA in liaising with project partners to ensure their co-financing contributions are provided within the agreed terms and requirements;


• Support the MEAL Specialist and ensure collection of data necessary to monitor progress against indicators specified in the log frame


• Follow up procurement processes and keep track of the implementation of contracts and LoAs with implementing partners, actively following up on their deliverables, budgets, and reports to ensure effective project execution and provide the necessary support.


• Supervise the work of District Staff and coordinate their performance in line with FAO policy and procedures

Coordination:

• Establish and maintain professional relationships and communication lines with relevant government offices and representatives, non-government organisations and other United Nations’ agencies, liaising closely with relevant project stakeholders, managing communications and organising and facilitating meetings as needed.


• Organize the annual Provincial Project Steering Committee meeting and other meetings with government representatives and project stakeholders as needed;


• Maintain regular communication with the Government Provincial Project Director, seeking necessary approvals to ensure the smooth implementation of project interventions.


• Act secretary of the Project Steering Committee with responsibility for meeting organisation, information sharing and minute taking


• Organize and lead monthly meetings with the Provincial Project Implementation Unit (PPIU), DPIU and Service Providers


• Oversee the organisation and reporting of technical and operational workshops, seminars and consultative meetings initiated by International Technical Advisor and International Technical Officer.


• Co-ordinate and support project-related field missions and visits of representatives from the Representation Office and the Government

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Work closely and support the Gender and Nutrition Specialist and the Safeguard and Environment Specialist on the execution of work plans, ensuring alignment with the project's log framework, Gender Action Plan, and Environmental Social and Safeguard Plan


• Work closely with the Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist for the development of project briefs, brochures, infographics, case studies and other visibility, outreach and communication materials;


• Ensure the accurate and timely submission of Service Providers reports;


• Regularly review project data and reports to assess the achievement of targets and make necessary adjustments.


• Support the dissemination of FAO’s work and good practices both internally and amongst key stakeholders and the wider community.


• Responsible for preparing progress reports and monthly, bi-annual and annual financial and technical reports as per the GCF reporting standards for Component 2.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Agronomy, Climate Smart Agriculture, On Farm Water Management, Irrigation Agronomy;


• At least 10 years of relevant experience in managing and coordinating projects/ programmes in agricultural development, on-farm-water management, irrigation, or horticultural sector with a focus on technology transfer and agricultural extension for smallholder men and women farmers and agricultural livelihoods;


• At least 5 years of experience in directly working with farmers;


• At least 5 years of experience in management and implementation of development projects, especially interfacing with government;


• Spoken and written fluency in English and working knowledge of Urdu, Punjabi/Saraiki;


• National of Pakistan.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus


• Teamwork


• Communication


• Building Effective Relationships


• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in the planning, and management of projects related to the sustainable development of smallholder agriculture in climate change context.


• Ability to work with farmers.


• Ability to develop strong working relationships with partners and stakeholders.


• Ability to write clear analytical technical documents and reports for management.


• Ability to comprehend technical issues related to climate smart agriculture.


• Ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in multicultural environment.


• Maturity and confidence in dealing with high-ranking official of government institutions, international institutions and non- government institutions.


• Possess strong supervisory, communication, team building and computing skills (word processing, spreadsheets and data-bases).

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above. Preference should be given to local candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)


• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]


• 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.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills


• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications


• Incomplete applications will not be considered


• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application


• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered


• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile


• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help, or have queries, please contact: [email protected]

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