Project Management Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to defeating hunger and achieving food security globally. Operating in over 130 countries since 1979, FAO Sri Lanka supports sustainable agri-food systems. Currently, FAO is implementing a two-year US Macro Grant project in Sri Lanka to enhance the resilience of vulnerable farming communities against climate-related shocks like cyclones and El Niño. The project targets smallholder farmers in Anuradhapura and other districts, providing essential inputs, promoting climate-resilient practices, and strengthening anticipatory action systems.

Job Purpose

The Project Management Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and management of a multifaceted project in Sri Lanka, ensuring effective resource utilization, timely delivery of work plans, and adherence to budgets. The role involves managing risks, solving problems, and achieving project results in line with donor agreements and FAO procedures. The incumbent will provide technical guidance and support to ensure high-quality, cost-effective project outputs, incorporating national and international best practices. This includes ensuring project targets are met, activities are executed as planned, and reporting, monitoring, and evaluation functions are performed according to project requirements, in close collaboration with government departments and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The Project Management Specialist will provide overall guidance and supervision for project activities, including planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of the results-based work plan. This includes managing the project team, developing detailed field implementation plans, and coordinating the hiring of project personnel. The specialist will liaise with consultants, government counterparts, partners, and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of inputs and the rollout of digital voucher schemes and early warning systems. Key responsibilities include overseeing the digital voucher modality, monitoring market conditions, ensuring a results-based approach, promoting project outputs, and leading stakeholder interactions and policy dialogue. Coordination with WFP and government counterparts, facilitating interdisciplinary inputs, and supervising procurement processes are also critical. Furthermore, the role involves overseeing the M&E plan, ensuring data collection for impact assessment, preparing regular reports, and facilitating communication of project progress to stakeholders.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Project and Programme Management is required. Experience at the national level in project implementation and managing operations, particularly with complex multi-stakeholder projects, is essential. Familiarity with UN administrative, operational, and financial procedures is a strong asset.

Skills

The role requires strong results focus, teamwork, and communication abilities. The incumbent must be adept at building effective relationships and promoting knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Essential skills include the ability to develop and manage project implementation plans, coordinate operations effectively, and support complex multi-stakeholder initiatives. Familiarity with UN administrative, operational, and financial procedures, along with an understanding of FAO policies and programmes, is highly advantageous.

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