Project Coordinator
Organizational Context
Zimbabwe is implementing a project funded by the Adaptation Fund to enhance local communities' resilience to climate change through sustainable groundwater utilization. The project aims to improve food security and productive uses of water in rural areas. Key actions include strengthening national and local capacity for groundwater management, assessing resources in vulnerable sub-catchments, developing integrated management plans, piloting adaptation measures, and disseminating lessons learned. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is the government counterpart.
Job Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Science Unit at UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa (ROSA), the Project Coordinator will contribute to the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) activities, focusing on Adaptation Fund projects. The role involves developing project proposals, providing expert advice, managing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing resources. The incumbent will coordinate and monitor project activities related to water security and disaster risk reduction in Southern Africa, specifically managing the implementation of the Adaptation Fund project in Zimbabwe. This includes overseeing the development of detailed implementation plans, procurement, human resources, communication, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management, ensuring all technical outputs meet high standards.
Responsibilities
The Project Coordinator is responsible for developing project proposals, providing expert advice, research, knowledge management, partnership development, and resource mobilization. Key duties include coordinating and monitoring project activities for water security and disaster risk reduction in Southern Africa, with a specific focus on the Adaptation Fund project in Zimbabwe. This involves overseeing the formulation of detailed implementation plans, including procurement, human resources, communication, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management. The role requires ensuring technical outputs meet high standards and providing leadership for water programmes in the region. Additionally, the incumbent will support National and Regional IHP activities and contribute to resource mobilization strategies by developing interdisciplinary concepts and project proposals. Monitoring and evaluation responsibilities include reporting on project progress, managing high-quality results reporting to stakeholders, establishing monitoring systems, overseeing fund utilization and compliance with UNESCO regulations, monitoring budget implementation, conducting field missions, and updating committees on project status, opportunities, and challenges. Risk monitoring and compliance with fund requirements are also critical.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in project implementation within natural sciences or related fields is required. Experience at the international level is also necessary, preferably with at least two years gained internationally. Experience in programme management, advocacy, resource mobilization, and partnership development is essential.
Skills
Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills are essential. The ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and build relationships with national/local authorities, research institutions, and NGOs is crucial. Proficiency in office software and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team are required. Familiarity with UNESCO's work, the political context of the region, and international organizations is beneficial.