National Project Coordinator (Agrifood Systems)

Organizational Context

The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) coordinates FAO's work across 13 member countries and one Associate Member. SAP focuses on food security, nutrition, agriculture, and rural development, maintaining relations with sub-regional entities. It is a subsidiary of FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. The Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project, funded by the EU, operates in Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands with a EUR 10 million budget, aiming to foster resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

Job Purpose

The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will be the primary in-country focal point for the STODAS project in Fiji. This role demands effective technical and operational leadership to ensure substantial progress across all three project outputs, aligning with the workplan, Logical Framework Matrix, and FAO/EU policies. The NPC will oversee delivery, coordinate support for Outputs 1, 2, and 3, and represent FAO in national stakeholder engagements. The position requires strong technical expertise in agrifood systems, policy development, project management, and partnership coordination, alongside the ability to manage Letters of Agreement and procurement processes in compliance with FAO standards.

Responsibilities

Provide in-country leadership for STODAS implementation in Fiji, ensuring timely delivery of outputs within budgets and workplans, and aligning with national policies. Lead implementation planning and stakeholder consultations, coordinate monitoring and reporting, and identify risks. Represent FAO STODAS in national coordination mechanisms and governance meetings. Lead Output 1 activities, including policy analysis, strategy development, and stakeholder consultations, ensuring inclusion of vulnerable groups. Coordinate food loss and waste assessments and support mitigation measures. Oversee analytical studies and contribute to capacity-building programs. Coordinate and monitor Output 2 activities, including Letters of Agreement and service contracts, and support climate-resilient production systems. Oversee and support the Agribusiness Incubation Centre for Output 3, facilitating training and linkages for small agribusinesses. Lead LOA preparation and management, coordinate procurement activities, and provide technical guidance to service providers. Work with M&E consultants for data collection and reporting, support evaluations, and manage project communications and knowledge products.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in agricultural development, agrifood systems, or project management. Demonstrated in-country experience in the Pacific region, with a preference for experience in Fiji. Familiarity with managing development projects funded by international donors, including experience with Letters of Agreement (LOA) or contract management, is highly desirable.

Skills

Strong leadership, coordination, and team management skills. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities, with proven effectiveness across government, civil society, and the private sector. Strong analytical and report-writing skills, producing clear, concise English reports. Ability to manage complex workplans and multiple priorities under pressure. Knowledge of gender mainstreaming and youth inclusion in agricultural development. Proficiency in standard office software; familiarity with project MIS or data management tools is advantageous. Experience in agrifood policy development, stakeholder consultation facilitation, or capacity building is beneficial. Familiarity with FAO project management procedures is an asset.

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