Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation)

About the role

The FAO Country Office in Malawi is looking for a Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation) to provide overall technical leadership and project coordination for all projects under the irrigation portfolio. FAO, together with the Malawian government and its resource partners, is expanding investment in the irrigation sub-sector. The post reports to the Assistant FAO Representative responsible for Programme and works closely with FAO country, sub-regional, regional and headquarters offices, government counterparts and development partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the development of work plans and detailed budgets according to the signed project agreement, and implement approved work plans.
• Provide technical guidance on irrigation development, climate resilience, climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, watershed management and sustainable natural resource management.
• Coordinate operational planning, budgeting, procurement, and implementation to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Strengthen collaboration with government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, private sector actors and community organizations.
• Lead project monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning and knowledge management, and ensure compliance with project agreements, safeguard requirements and donor commitments.
• Lead communication, visibility and knowledge-sharing activities with the communications team, and prepare technical reports, donor reports and project documents.
• Prepare and manage Letters of Agreement, service contracts and procurement plans, and represent the project in technical and coordination meetings.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in Irrigation Engineering or Agricultural Engineering, with Natural Resources Management as a minor.
• At least seven years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, irrigation engineering or watershed management.
• National of Malawi.
• Working knowledge of English (level C).
• Demonstrated experience in programme coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement, and experience working with government institutions, development partners and community-based organizations.

Required skills

• Programme and project management, strategic planning and coordination.
• Irrigation engineering, climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and operational and financial management.
• Analytical thinking, leadership and facilitation.