National Project Coordinator

Organizational Context

FAO Gambia, in collaboration with partners, is implementing the Climate Fishery Initiative for Livelihood Improvement (PROREFISH Gambia). This initiative aims to enhance resilience and improve livelihoods, health, wellbeing, and food and water security for vulnerable populations. Key objectives include strengthening climate-resilient ecosystems and infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions through sustainable land and forest management, and adapting successful West African strategies to Gambian fisheries. The project emphasizes climate-resilient fisheries infrastructure, supporting women in fish handling and processing, promoting aquaculture technologies, and fostering private sector engagement.

Job Purpose

The National Project Coordinator (NPO) will lead and coordinate project activities to achieve the transformational changes envisioned by the PROREFISH Project. Working in consultation with various committees and FAO offices, the NPO will provide technical leadership and coordinate institutional actions with public and private sector partners. Responsibilities include overseeing the preparation and execution of work plans and budgets, managing contracts and agreements, and ensuring advocacy, capacity building, and partner participation. The NPO is accountable for the overall daily management of the project, ensuring effective implementation and achievement of project objectives.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the timely and quality implementation of project components and activities, ensuring technical support and linkages among partners. Prepare and adjust annual work plans, budget revisions, and procurement/recruiting plans. Oversee project activity implementation, ensuring adherence to timelines, work plans, and environmental, socioeconomic, and gender safeguards. Ensure technical compliance with project objectives, outcomes, and outputs, and follow the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. Liaise with stakeholders, government authorities, national institutions, civil society, and the private sector. Foster effective communication with implementation partners. Organize and lead project meetings, workshops, and technical activities. Conduct project field missions, supervision visits, and provide technical support. Manage contracts effectively, ensuring timely delivery of quality outputs and value for money. Monitor risks and implement mitigation measures. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports, as well as the project terminal report.

Work Experience

Minimum of 10 years of experience in Fisheries, Natural Resources, or related fields. At least 3 years of experience in managing or coordinating development projects or components financed by international funding partners, specifically related to fisheries. Familiarity with the Gambian context is essential.

Skills

Proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and work effectively within a team. Strong results focus, communication, and relationship-building skills. Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement mindset. Excellent writing, research, and computer literacy skills. Experience in promoting fisheries value chains and knowledge of good aquaculture production practices. Familiarity with FAO’s administrative and project management systems. Ability to establish working relationships with government and non-government representatives. Fluency in written and spoken English and major local Gambian languages. Experience in results-based management, budget development/implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Ability to prepare concise, internationally acceptable reports. Knowledge of participatory planning tools. Extensive understanding of The Gambia's natural resources and socioeconomic realities. Availability for frequent travel to project sites.

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