National Coordinator (Flagships Initiative)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to defeating hunger and promoting food security globally. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation of agrifood systems towards greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. The FAO Country Office in Lesotho oversees the implementation of strategies and projects for food, agriculture, and rural development, including flagship initiatives like Hand in Hand, OCOP, and Green Cities, aimed at accelerating SDG achievement. Strong coordination is vital for these initiatives, which involve various government departments, academic institutions, and partners.

Job Purpose

The National Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating key stakeholders, including government departments, parastatals, academia, and research institutions, to ensure the smooth and impactful implementation of FAO's flagship initiatives in Lesotho. This role involves establishing synergies and facilitating partnerships between state and non-state actors to foster innovation and accelerate the transformation of the agricultural sector. The coordinator will play a crucial role in aligning efforts, promoting collaboration, and driving progress towards achieving program objectives and delivering project outputs effectively within the national context.

Responsibilities

The National Coordinator will provide leadership, management, and technical guidance for the successful implementation of flagship initiatives and associated support projects. Key duties include familiarizing with all project details, offering technical guidance to government departments and partners, and fostering ownership of initiatives among national focal points. The role requires liaising with South-South technical partners for effective technical assistance, strengthening collaboration between government and academic institutions for agricultural development, and preparing and monitoring annual work plans. Additionally, the coordinator will engage with FAO technical units for resource mobilization, maintain communication with global and regional partners, facilitate policy dialogue for public-private partnerships, and coordinate internal and external actors for program delivery, undertaking any other related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or a related field is necessary. This experience should align with the responsibilities of coordinating and implementing agricultural development projects.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, effective communication, building strong relationships, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. The ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders and manage complex projects is essential.

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