SENIOR NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR (FOREST AND LAND USE)

Job description

OVERVIEWThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialised UN agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. Through its country offices, FAO provides technical assistance, strengthens institutional capacity, and supports sustainable agricultural and environmental development.FAO Malawi is implementing projects focused on forest and farm landscape restoration, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. These include the Malawi component of the AFR100 initiative and the Global Environment Facility's (GEF7) Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme (DSL-IP).FAO invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use), based in Lilongwe.ORGANISATIONAL UNIT: FRMLW – FAO Representation in MalawiJOB TYPE: Non-Staff Opportunity – National Project Personnel (NPP)CONTRACT DURATION: 12 months, with the possibility of extensionDate Posted: Wednesday, 28th October, 2026Application Deadline: Thursday, 12th November, 2026POSITION: SENIOR NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR (FOREST AND LAND USE)JOB SUMMARYThe Senior National Project Coordinator will provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for forest and land-use projects under FAO Malawi. The role involves coordinating project implementation, managing budgets and workplans, strengthening partnerships, supervising project personnel, and ensuring timely reporting and achievement of project objectives.The successful candidate will also contribute to resource mobilisation, the development of new project proposals, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of sustainable forestry, landscape restoration, and climate-resilient natural resource management.Reports to: Assistant FAO Representative in Malawi responsible for the programme, under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative.KEY REQUIREMENTSAcademic, Professional Qualifications and ExperienceApplicants must meet the following requirements:Hold an advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or another closely related field.Have at least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, natural resource management, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, forestry, and the implementation of donor-funded projects, particularly projects funded through vertical funds such as GEF and GCF.Have working knowledge of English at Level C.Be a national of Malawi or a resident of Malawi with a valid work permit.TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIESThe ideal candidate should demonstrate:Strong programme and project management skills.Strategic planning and coordination capabilities.Knowledge of irrigation engineering, climate-resilient agriculture, and natural resource management.Stakeholder engagement and partnership-development skills.Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting expertise.Operational and financial management capabilities.Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.Leadership, facilitation, and team-management abilities.FAO CORE COMPETENCIESCandidates should demonstrate the following core competencies:Results Focus.Teamwork.Communication.Building Effective Relationships.Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.SELECTION CRITERIAPreference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:Proven leadership in programme coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement.Experience working with government institutions, development partners, national organisations, and community-based organisations.Familiarity with FAO project implementation, which will be an added advantage.DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Strategic Project Leadership and CoordinationProvide strategic leadership, technical direction, and quality assurance for project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.Oversee project activities to ensure timely, effective, and high-quality implementation.Coordinate the implementation of the AFR100 and GEF7 projects in collaboration with government counterparts and project partners at national and district levels.Organise and facilitate partner meetings, technical meetings, steering committee meetings, and project missions.Brief and advise FAO country senior management on project progress, risks, and opportunities.2. Planning, Budgeting, and Operational ManagementLead the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and accountability of project budgets, workplans, travel plans, and procurement plans.Ensure that project plans and budgets align with project objectives, implementation schedules, and FAO policies and procedures.Coordinate field missions and operational activities related to project implementation.Provide operational guidance and troubleshooting support to FAO field offices and project districts.3. P