National Project Coordinator (Agrifood Systems)

Organizational Context

The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in Samoa 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 institutions. SAP is part 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 Samoa. 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 and coordinate project delivery, represent FAO in national stakeholder engagements, and manage Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and procurement processes. Strong technical knowledge of agrifood systems, policy development, project management, and partnership coordination is essential for success in this position.

Responsibilities

Provide in-country leadership for the STODAS project start-up and implementation in Samoa, ensuring coherent delivery across all three outputs within the approved workplan and budget. Facilitate the development, validation, and dissemination of national agrifood policies and strategies, monitoring progress and flagging risks. Represent FAO STODAS in national coordination platforms and participate in review meetings. Coordinate the Agriculture Sector Plan, support the assessment and strengthening of extension and advisory services, and oversee the development of a digital platform for stakeholder collaboration. Coordinate the development of a National Policy on Mandatory Fencing of Pig Pens and review of related studies. Establish and improve nurseries, support school and community gardens, and oversee research on feral pig control. Coordinate the establishment of poultry farm enterprises to substitute imports. Support the Agribusiness Incubation Centre and coordinate capacity-building workshops. Manage LOAs and service contracts, ensuring compliance with FAO and EU policies. Coordinate with M&E specialists for data collection and reporting, and prepare contributions to progress reports. Support project communication activities and document lessons learned.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in agricultural development, agrifood systems, project management, or related fields. Demonstrated in-country experience in the Pacific, preferably in Samoa, is required. Familiarity with FAO project management procedures, including procurement and reporting, is an asset.

Skills

Strong leadership, coordination, and team management skills. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities, with experience working across government, civil society, and the private sector. Strong analytical and report-writing skills. Proven 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 managing donor-funded development projects, including LOA or contract management. Experience in agrifood policy development, stakeholder consultation, or capacity building. Familiarity with the Samoan language is an asset.

Explore related opportunities