Programme Coordinator

Organizational Context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a UN specialized agency focused on eradicating rural poverty and hunger by investing in rural populations. IFAD finances projects to boost agricultural productivity and rural incomes, advocating for policies that drive rural transformation. The Sri Lanka office requires enhanced project management support for its portfolio, ensuring efficient implementation, coordination with government entities, and improved results delivery.

Job Purpose

The Programme Coordinator will provide essential generalist project management support to IFAD's Sri Lanka portfolio, working under the Country Director. This role involves coordinating project implementation, planning, reporting, monitoring, and knowledge management. A key aspect is bringing a technical specialization in areas such as value chain development, rural finance, climate-smart agriculture, gender/youth inclusion, nutrition, or digital solutions. The position is based in Colombo with travel to support field operations, missions, and on-ground follow-up, contributing to the timely and effective delivery of IFAD's mandate in Sri Lanka.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive project management support for the Sri Lanka portfolio, including daily follow-up with Project Management Units (PMUs) and government partners. Lead project monitoring, tracking workplans, procurement, disbursements, risks, and results indicators, ensuring timely implementation of agreed actions. Coordinate mission preparation, including research, data consolidation, drafting Terms of Reference, and finalizing mission reports. Offer practical problem-solving support to accelerate project implementation. Consolidate information for reporting requirements like COSOP updates and GAFSP. Manage and coordinate various missions (supervision, MTR, PCR) and high-level visits, preparing necessary documentation and logistical arrangements. Support knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and producing visibility materials. Enhance PMU capacity in knowledge management and reporting. Facilitate stakeholder engagement and partnership development. Provide administrative support to the Country Director, including briefing notes and meeting preparation. Contribute to contract management and oversight, and support corporate planning and reporting processes.

Work Experience

Requires at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in development institutions or government service. Experience in rural project management, market development, and agricultural/rural development is desirable. Proficiency in communication, computer applications (Microsoft Office), and interpersonal skills is essential. Experience with international financial institutions or development cooperation agencies is an asset.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organization, professionalism, and self-management. Technical skills encompass rural project management, market development, policy-oriented approaches, and loan/grant preparation. Strong communication, interpersonal, and computer skills are necessary. Expertise in areas such as administration, community development, and development programmes is also relevant.

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