Project Management Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and quality of life, leaving no one behind. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives. The Office of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) (OSL) coordinates activities to address the special needs of these vulnerable populations by strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and policy planning, facilitating experience sharing and cooperation.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for the implementation of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Trust Fund Project for SIDS, specifically focusing on "Enhancing technical and innovative capacity to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems in SIDS." The purpose is to drive the successful execution of project objectives, ensuring effective collaboration, resource management, and the achievement of tangible results that contribute to sustainable agrifood system development in SIDS through international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Responsibilities

Ensure project compliance with planning, monitoring, and evaluation requirements. Lead project output execution within the established objectives framework. Develop coordination processes with component leads, project taskforce, FAO Subregional offices, and government/partner entities. Prepare Annual Operational Plans with budgets and analytical reports. Document actions, lessons learned, and results for visibility. Oversee the formulation, execution, and evaluation of the workplan for all project components. Supervise the organization of virtual meetings, training events, studies, and workshops. Support budget execution verification and evaluation against efficiency indicators. Assist in preparing annual and final consultancy reports, detailing objectives, scope, activities, limitations, lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations. Identify and liaunt with relevant Chinese institutions, research centers, and experts to support targeted interventions and build sustainable partnerships. Guide and support Chinese experts in project activities, ensuring alignment with component needs and facilitating knowledge transfer, including coordinating study tours. Participate in events to promote coordination and experience exchange.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in food and nutritional security or regional development in SIDS. Experience in management and advocacy for institutionalization processes with public/private sectors is essential, with 4 years in projects financed by international cooperation. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, participatory processes, and stakeholder articulation is required.

Skills

Core competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Desirable skills include experience in formulating, implementing, and evaluating food security, family farming, or rural development projects via South-South cooperation. Experience in institutionalization and advocacy for food security and nutrition management is beneficial. General knowledge of technical and administrative project management aspects, ability to apply participatory methodologies, and ability to plan proactively, guide others, and work under pressure are essential. Knowledge of Chinese is an asset.

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