National Project Coordinator

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. In the Philippines, FAO has partnered with the government and local organizations for over four decades to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, focusing on sustainability, modernization, and resilience.

Job Purpose

The National Project Coordinator will provide senior-level strategic leadership and comprehensive coordination for complex project activities. This includes overseeing planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management to ensure alignment with FAO priorities, work plans, budgets, and national development goals. The role involves providing high-level technical and managerial guidance to project teams and stakeholders, managing budgets and resources effectively, ensuring the quality of technical outputs, and supporting project development, partnership building, risk management, and results-based reporting.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of the project to ensure timely achievement of objectives and outcomes. Lead project implementation, including budget monitoring, development of implementation and procurement plans, and effective resource utilization. Establish and monitor time-phased work plans, addressing any delays or bottlenecks. Oversee project personnel, consultants, and partners, ensuring effective performance and accountability. Lead project budget management and procurement oversight, ensuring compliance with FAO rules. Select project sites, priority areas, and beneficiaries in consultation with stakeholders. Establish and maintain effective institutional partnerships and stakeholder relationships. Lead stakeholder consultations and technical discussions. Ensure the design and delivery of capacity development interventions. Direct and document trainings, workshops, and meetings. Maintain and update project monitoring, reporting, and results management systems. Identify, assess, and manage project risks. Serve as a focal point for project governance mechanisms. Prepare and submit high-quality progress reports and management updates. Lead donor reporting, communication, and knowledge management activities. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with donors. Lead project development and resource mobilization efforts. Oversee recruitment and mobilization of project personnel. Represent FAO and the project in coordination meetings. Foster a collaborative project team environment. Lead project closure planning and implementation. Prepare an end-of-assignment report.

Work Experience

At least 9 years of progressively responsible experience in managing and coordinating complex multi-stakeholder development projects, including strategic planning and implementation in agriculture and rural development. Experience working with government counterparts and international development partners is required. Proven experience in peacebuilding and applying conflict-sensitive approaches is advantageous.

Skills

Excellent leadership and communication skills. In-depth knowledge of project management, strategic planning, budgets, and financial reporting. Ability to promote efficiency and achieve project objectives. Advanced knowledge of best business practices. Familiarity with international organizations, regional entities, and national governments. Proficiency in standard office software (MS Office). Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

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