The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
FAO Liberia is implementing a joint programme on Community Forestry Management in two of Liberia’s priority landscapes. With funding from the Embassy of Sweden, and under a UN-to-UN arrangement with UNDP, through the Multi Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). FAO will implement the programme working with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and other relevant government institutions, international and national non-governmental organizations, as well as development institutions working towards sustainable natural resource management, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. To lead the Office’s engagements and delivery of programmatic outputs including engagements with the private sector for partnerships and service provisions, FAO Liberia seeks the services of a Project Management Specialist. S/he will work fulltime and lead all aspects relevant to the achievements of the objectives of the programme components led by FAO, and support the team at UNDP for the overall delivery under a joint programme management unit.
The Joint Programme builds on the findings of the Snap Analysis for the Forestry Sector in Liberia commissioned by the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia with report finalized in January 2022.
Given the quality of leadership and service required, this (4 years ) programme has been classified at the highest level for a national consultant; hence, shortlist would made based on the below, and for only experienced professionals with reasonable project management background.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Liberia and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, the Project Management Specialist, liaising with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and other technical officers of supporting thematic units, other relevant colleagues at the country, sub-regional, regional and headquartered offices, will undertake the tasks outlined below.
Technical Focus
The Project Management Specialist will be responsible for the management and implementation of the programme activities in accordance with the work plan and budget.
Tasks and Responsibilities
The incumbent will undertake the following:
Prepare annual work plans/budgets and submit for consideration and approval
Support the organization of programme inception meetings/working sessions
Support the establishment and continuous strengthening of programme steering committees, programme implementation teams, and technical working groups
Initiate and participate in national discussions on sustainable forest management, forest conservation, community forestry, forest landscape restoration, afforestation and reforestation programs;
Liaise with relevant FAO units (country office, sub-regional, regional, and headquartered) to lead from FAO’s angle, the implementation of all activities
Provide technical support to key government partners responding to specific technical assistance requests and needs, including, but not limited to backstopping national processes and providing trainings and workshops;
Support the implementation of community forestry, sustainable forest management, and protected area management and forest landscape restoration activities in Liberia, including but not limited to the current program;
Facilitate program activity planning, logistics, implementation and reporting;
Work closely with local communities, state services, partner civil society organizations to ensure mobilization of stakeholders to achieve programme results
Lead the preparation of annual (further disaggregated per quarter) procurement, HR and travel plans
Lead the preparation of (narrative) reports and support the drafting of financial updates/reports)
Support the preparation of annual M&E plans;
Undertake required field missions and ensure timely submission of back-to-office reports
Support the preparation, signing/contracting, and monitoring of the implementation contracts (LoAs, Commercial contracts, Operational Partners Implementation Modality – OPIM, if any) and MoUs under the programmes
Support the development of communication products key to ensuring FAO, partner and donor visibility at all levels
Ensure that all cross-cutting – including Engineering, M&E, Communications, Agronomic, Policy, Operational, Finance, HR/Travel, Procurement and Logistical – support services are obtained as required
As needed, support the development of programme concept notes and proposals for new programs and attracting investments in sustainable forest management, community forestry, protected area management and forest landscape restoration;
Support the Programme Unit and Country Team in other areas as required relevant to forestry and beyond, consistent with expertise
Represent the country office at technical and partner meetings at national and international forums
Perform other duties, as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements
Minimum of a Master Degree in International Development, Project Management, Forestry, Agroforestry or related field in the social or natural sciences.
At least 10-years’ experience in project management, and implementation and programme delivery, in the area of forestry, agro-forestry, agro ecology, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, community-based development planning is required
Working knowledge of English
National of Liberia
Technical/Functional Skills
Demonstrated result based management capabilities with an ability to manage programme budgets and human resources
Ability and willingness to travel extensively in support of programme implementation
Knowledge in research analysis and programme development
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential
Demonstrated result based management capabilities with an ability to manage programme budgets and human resources.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively in support of programme implementation.
Excellent communication, networking, written and presentation skills.
Familiar with United Nations System and/or FAO’s programming mechanisms.
Experience in developing and delivering community forest management plans is an asset.
Knowledge of core technical and policy issues pertinent to community forestry, sustainable forest management, protected area management, and forest landscape restoration in the Guinean forest including Liberia;
Experience working with international partners or donors preferred with a strong preference to candidates with prior experience working with Swedish International Development Agency;
Demonstrated ability to provide technical coordination and leadership with a broad range of interested parties, across cultures, languages, and varying capacity levels;
Experience working with national governmental technical agencies, civil society organizations, and other international technical partners (preferred);
Strong program management and organizational skills including concept note development and donor reporting;
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and database management (required) and GIS (preferred);
Experience working in the field with rural communities and local government authorities for potentially extended periods of time;.
