Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation)
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development aligned with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. They focus on transforming agrifood systems through partnerships, resource mobilization, and ensuring risk-smart, accountable operations.
Job Purpose
The Senior National Project Coordinator (SNPC) will provide comprehensive technical leadership and project coordination for FAO's irrigation portfolio within Malawi. This role is crucial as FAO, in collaboration with the Government of Malawi and its resource partners, actively works to expand investments in the irrigation sub-sector. The SNPC will ensure the effective implementation and management of irrigation-related projects, contributing to national food security and agricultural development goals.
Responsibilities
The Senior National Project Coordinator will lead the development of project work plans and budgets, and coordinate the implementation of project activities. This includes providing technical guidance on irrigation development, climate resilience, natural resources management, and agricultural interventions. The role involves coordinating operational planning, budgeting, procurement, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs. Strengthening collaboration among FAO, government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, and stakeholders is essential. The SNPC will lead monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning, and knowledge management activities, ensuring compliance with agreements and FAO procedures. Responsibilities also include managing project structures, communication and visibility, preparing procurement plans, and overseeing Letters of Agreement and service contracts. The position requires ensuring project activities promote integrated approaches for agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability, and representing the project in relevant forums.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, irrigation engineering, and watershed management is required. Candidates must possess a working knowledge of the English language (Level C).
Skills
Key skills include programme and project management, strategic planning, and coordination. Expertise in irrigation engineering, climate-resilient agriculture, and natural resource management is essential. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, partnership development, monitoring and evaluation, operational and financial management, analytical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and facilitation skills. Demonstrated experience in programme coordination, multi-stakeholder engagement, and working with government institutions, development partners, and community-based organizations is also critical.