Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is implementing a project OSRO/SRL/083/JPN “ Development of Self-sustained Culture-based Inland Fisheries to ensure Food and Nutritional Security and Livelihood Improvements in Rural Communities in Sri Lanka” which aims to enhance food and nutritional security, strengthen resilience, and improve livelihoods in rural communities, specifically of fisherfolks, across the targeted districts in Sri Lanka for a period of one year. Targeting four districts of Kurunegala, Mullaitivu, Monaragala, and Batticaloa, the initiative focuses on boosting inland fish production from reservoirs, which form a significant part of Sri Lanka's fishery sector. It will assist Sri Lanka to adapt and effectively enhance fish seed production, increase fish fingerling stocking, improve reservoir fisheries management, and expand market opportunities. The project envisions empowering small-scale inland fishers, fisheries societies, aquaculture farmers, and rural communities, particularly those below the poverty line and in post-war affected areas.

FAO is recruiting a Project Coordinator, to support the implementation and delivery of this project. The post is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Reporting Lines

She/He will be working under the overall supervision of the AFAOR (Programme) with technical supervision by the Project Management Specialist and the Fisheries Specialist. She/he will also be required to work closely with the administration unit of the FAO representation. 
Technical Focus 
•    Implementation of projects in accordance with the project document and implementation plan.
•    Effective support to the Project Management Specialist on project implementation.
• Visibility initiatives related to the field program.
•    Regular meetings with the Project Management Specialist to discuss the progress of the project implementation plan.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Act as a focal point for all administrative and operational matters ensuring the day-to-day implementation of the project;
•    Act as a financial focal point ensuring the application of the dedicated resources to the results-based delivery of the expected outputs of the project; 
•    Supports the organization of project meetings, training workshops, and similar events.
•    Contributes to the timely mobilization of inputs related to project operations such as personnel, technical support services, subcontracts, training, equipment/supplies, and other needs, in line with the FAO procedures and manual sections.
•    Participates in the preparation of project work plan, procurement plan, implementation plan, and communications plan, and reviews it from time to time the progress, and draws attention to the need for corrective measures if required.
•    Assisting in the preparation of the Letters of Agreement (LOA) and commercial contracts, monitor the progress of the activities given. Attend any amendment required in time if necessary.
•    Initiate procurement actions in time as per the work plan.
•    Facilitate local and international travel as required.
•    Monitor the financial progress of the project and attend budget revision if necessary. 
•    Contributes to the preparation of project reports;
•    Arrange necessary clearance on the project activities as required;
•    Undertakes any related tasks as requested AFAOR (Programme);

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University Degree in Aquaculture, Accountancy and Financial Management, Business Administration, Social Science, or other relevant disciplines 
• Three years of experience in project coordination, preferably in International Organisations or .
•    Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil.
•    Must be a national of Sri Lanka.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point).
•    Work experience in more than one area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of and in the provision of project management in Aquaculture is preferable.
•   Extent and relevance of experience in supporting national meetings, seminars, and training courses.

Selection Criteria 

•    Extent and relevance of experience in one or more of the main areas including natural resource management, fisheries, social science, business management or other related fields.
•    Extent of experience in project formulation/project management including work planning, budgeting, implementation, reporting and administration.
•    Experience in coordinating and liaising with industry, academia, national authorities, UN agencies, donors, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
•    Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector is an asset.
•    Relevant professional qualifications will be considered as an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION