National Project Specialist (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Samoa)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) oversees and implements projects transforming food, agriculture, and rural development across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Samoa. Currently, FAO-SAP is executing a three-year project, “Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands (Phase II),” aimed at enhancing food security and climate-resilient livelihoods. This initiative addresses challenges like climate vulnerability, limited livelihood diversification, weak data systems, and gender inequalities within small-scale fisheries communities, promoting greater socio-economic benefits, especially for women and youth.

Job Purpose

The primary objective of this role is to provide essential administrative and technical support for all in-country project activities. This support is crucial for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the project within the designated country. The position requires close collaboration with national counterparts and stakeholders to facilitate project operations, monitor progress, and address any emerging challenges. The aim is to contribute directly to the successful achievement of project goals and outcomes, ensuring that activities align with the overall project work plan and objectives.

Responsibilities

Implement project work plans in close collaboration with national counterparts, stakeholders, and partners. Draft and review terms of reference for consultants and contractors, and manage Letters of Agreements and service contracts. Collate and provide technical specifications for procurement of equipment, inputs, and materials. Organize, facilitate, and attend national meetings, forums, and workshops. Arrange national travel for counterparts and beneficiaries. Collect baseline and endline data according to the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan. Monitor project activity progress and outputs, alerting the team to potential implementation delays. Provide technical assistance for country-level implementation and training activities. Contribute inputs for project-related communication materials. Maintain regular coordination and communication with project partners and country focal points. Prepare high-quality narrative progress reports using inputs from partners and stakeholders. Provide regular oral and written updates on project progress to the Project Manager and Government focal point. Offer technical guidance and support to international and national experts. Conduct regular field missions to monitor and ensure smooth implementation of project activities. Assist with implementation and training activities at the country level. Perform any other duties required for successful project implementation.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in the fisheries or rural/community development sectors is required. Experience in supporting or managing projects related to food security, including fisheries, nutrition, or livelihoods, is essential. Competency in establishing and maintaining partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors is also necessary.

Skills

Proficiency in English (Level C) is required. Essential skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Competence, integrity, negotiating skills, tact, and diplomacy are crucial. The ability to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project partners at regional and international levels is important. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, effective writing, and critical analysis skills are necessary. Practical experience in monitoring and evaluation, and applying gender equality concepts are highly valued.

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