GEF Projects Sub-Regional Coordinator

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The FAO Sub-Regional office for West Africa (SFW) responsible for developing, promoting and implementing FAO agreed strategies to help countries and sub-regional organizations address food security, nutrition, agriculture and rural development priorities in West Africa. The Office has a multidisciplinary team of technical experts, in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, land and water, and pastoralism, who provide technical support to the 15 member countries of ECOWAS in their fight against poverty and the promotion of food and nutritional security; as well as to a wider 17 member countries of the Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) in strengthening the resilience of the Sahel countries.

There is growing international recognition that the agricultural sectors (including crops, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture and livestock) play a central role in responding to climate change, as these sectors are among the foremost priorities in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by African countries under the UNFCCC. In this regard, SFW Strategy has as one of its priority areas “Sustainable Management of the Environment and Natural Resources (SMENR)” that intends to support countries address issues related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, the preservation of biodiversity, and the collection, management and sharing on the environment and natural resources data in the sub-region.

SFW is increasingly receiving requests from countries in West Africa for providing technical support in the development of concept notes and project proposals to key environmental donors (GFF and GEF and Adaptation Fund) as well as their implementation. As an accredited agency to the GEF, GCF and Adaptation Fund, FAO intends to expand its portfolio to assist countries in fulfilling their ambitions on climate action, notably, with UNFCCC, as well as the NDCs in the Paris Agreement.

GEF will shortly be the main donors of countries in the West Africa Sub-Region, in terms of climate actions. The portfolio of SFW comprises more than 60 projects funded by GEF. To succeed in the engagement with countries and the Secretariat of GEF, the FAO intends to strengthen its climate team at SFW

FAO Climate Team and Call purpose

The purpose of this call is to provide FAO’s Sub-Regional Office for West Africa and its country offices with a qualified GEF Projects Sub-Regional Coordinator to be part of multidisciplinary climate team, to enhance FAO’s support to the design and implementation of climate related projects in the sub-region, with a particular focus on GEF.

The recruited GEF Projects Manager will be based at SFW office (Dakar, Senegal).

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Sub regional coordinator, and direct supervision of the Operations Officer, the GEF Projects Sub-Regional Coordinator will work closely with the technical team of GEF projects (mainly LTOs and country/subregional Project Managers/Focal Points).

Technical Focus

Lead the coordination of GEF and GCF multi-country projects and support the project management units and/or projects Managers at country level for a timely and quality delivery of the projects.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the execution of project activities according to approved project documents and work plans.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines.
• Ensure the preparation, monitoring and updating of plans for GEF Projects, with particular emphasis on budget management and work plan, as well as application of corporate recommended tools such as procurement plan, Human Resources Plan, Travel Plan to strengthen the administration of GEF and GCP projects. Accordingly, he or she will maintain updated records of HR monitoring tables against the various GCP and GEF projects. This includes the list of consultants per project for effective HR monitoring and budgeting,
• Ensure the Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) for each project is complete and up-to-date, and that relevant data is collected for regular monitoring of GEF and GCP project results and provide reports to and receive guidance from governance mechanisms in close collaboration with LTO and country officers.
• Maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, including administrative teams.
• Support the communication team in producing communication and visibility of the GEF and GCF projects, in line with project plans.
• Ensure all reports are prepared and submitted and when applicable
• Ensure all deliverables are completed, project documentation is in order, evaluation is supported as needed, and preparations for project closure are set up.
• Identify, mitigate and manage potential risks, report and escalate issues when necessary.
• Provide any assistance that may be required in the framework of the GCP and GEF projects

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in environmental or agricultural sciences, natural resource management, economics or a related field as appropriate for the specific profile or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in project/programme management.
• Working knowledge of English or French (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge (proficiency - level B) of the 2nd language (English or French).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

• Proven knowledge of GEF and GCF project cycle
• Track record of GEF/GCF project coordination/management or at least development and contribution to the implementation.
• Experience working in many countries in the subregion.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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