Program Coordinator at Food and Agriculture Organization

• The Project Coordinator will ensure the effective implementation of the “Transforming Livelihoods through Climate Resilient, Low Carbon, Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc” “GCP/KEN/116/GCF” accordance with project document and implementation plan, optimizing the use of project resources and inputs to achieve project objectives. The Project Coordinator will supervise other national and international consultants on project implementation. A strong understanding of climate-smart agriculture, value chain development, agroforestry production system and gender-sensitive approaches in the Kenyan context is required.

Tasks and responsibilities

 Overall Project Management Unit (PMU) Management:

• Oversee hiring of affiliate workforce, including developing and/or reviewing Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce, the publication of calls to attract candidates for vacancies, and conducting the selection process, including interviews.
• Manage and supervise the day-to-day operational tasks of the PMU and supervise PMU affiliate workforce (administrative, financial, procurement, travel, and other support staff) as per their individual ToRs.
• Review and approve monthly work plans from PMU specialists, ensuring implementation of assigned tasks (including Annual Workplan and Budget (AWPBs), procurement plans, recruitment, budgeting, logistics, and field visits).
• Oversee PMU staff performance, preparing and submitting annual performance assessments to the FAO Representative in Kenya.
• Ensure adherence to the AWPB and Project Implementation Manual (PIM) according to FAO and GCF guidelines.
• Report project progress to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and organize regular reporting and meetings among PSC members.

 Project Operations:

• Support the CTA in the development and review of the project Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), highlighting key milestones, deliverables, and KPIs for project personnel.
• Review and approve project technical personnel work plans, including travel plans.
• Ensure effective, data-driven, and evidence-based planning, allocation, and management of GCF and co-financier resources, coordinating closely with the PMU Financial Manager and promptly informing the CTA of any delays or issues.
• Coordinate with co-financers in the implementation of project activities, especially co-financed initiatives.
• Oversee the development, negotiation, and management of Operational Partner Agreements (OPA) with Executing Entities (EEs) and provide technical guidance to EEs/Operational Partners (OPs).
• Lead the design and regular review (with the CTA and relevant PMU staff) of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM), Procurement Plan (PP), and financial plan, ensuring timely drafting, approval, and operationalization of procurement of services, supplies, and goods in line with FAO procurement policy.
• Coordinate the development of Expressions of Interest (EoIs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), tenders/Invitations to Bid (ITBs), or Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring alignment with project agreements, outcomes, and FAO/GCF requirements. Participate in evaluation committees to ensure compliance and submit final versions to the CTA for clearance.
• Participate in field missions to monitor activity-based progress in targeted areas and prepare for the project closure phase.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Reporting:
• Monitor project progress regularly and report to the management and CTA based on the Project M&E Manual, incorporating information from implementation partners, consultants, service providers (NGOs, academia, consulting firms), suppliers, and government staff.
• Identify potential risks in project implementation and propose solutions.
• Support the CTA in supervising M&E officers to ensure coherence with project component requirements, including co-financed activities.
• Support the organization of Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM) quality assurance activities (spot checks and audits) and FAO project supervision.
• Assist in FAO project supervision, interim independent evaluations, and final independent evaluations in close coordination with the FAO Country Office and the FAO Independent Office of Evaluation (OED).
• Oversee knowledge management and dissemination of project outputs.
• Review project documentation such as meeting minutes, workshop proceedings, and communication materials including briefing notes, project summaries, and newsletters.
• Be responsible for preparing and ensuring the quality of project and financial reports required for FAO and GCF.

Communication, Dissemination, and Partnership:

• Support the CTA and the communication officer in developing a communication strategy.
• Oversee the dissemination of project progress, success stories, and best practices through the project webpage, social media, press releases, and other communication tools.

Other Duties:

• Assist the CTA in developing annual performance assessments for PMU staff.
• Perform other relevant tasks as assigned by the FAO Representative in Kenya.
• CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, rural development, project management, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in managing development projects, preferably with experience in climate-smart agriculture and/or value chain development.
• Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili
• National of Kenya