Project Manager - Somalia

Under the general supervision of the Chief, Emergency Operations Service and the direct supervision of the FAO Officer-in-Charge for Somalia and in close consultation with the relevant FAO headquarters operations and Lead Technical Officers, the Project Manager will be responsible for management, administration and oversight of the implementation of the humanitarian interventions in support to Rural Livelihoods in Somalia. Specifically he/she will:

•establish and maintain the operational structure for project implementation;
•coordinate all project activities and define the project work plan, in consultation with the involved partners and technical experts;
•ensure appropriate supervision of the teams working for the project, including all administration, communication and field operation aspects through the existing Somalia programme administrative staff;
•participate in the selection of the national project staff and consultants, including the preparation of job descriptions and identify the technical assistance required;
•supervise project implementation and ensure good project performance and decide on any required modifications (extension, budget amendments, etc.);
•provide technical inputs on agricultural activities and coordinate technical inputs for other sectors (irrigation, livestock);
•ensure effective liaison with the authorities, donors, key partners, institutions and stakeholders on a regular basis;
•ensure relationships with partner organizations, prepare partnership agreements as necessary, monitor and supervise activities implemented by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) within the framework the project;
•enhance and closely monitor progress on implementation in relation to the work plan, achievement of project objectives and impact, and implement corrective measures when needed;
•ensure the provision of technical inputs for the agricultural components of the project and the coordination of inputs from other technical experts;
•represent the project in public and at coordination meetings;
•ensure adherence to field security procedures of all staff and consultants involved in the implementation of the project;
•prepare project reports and briefs, approve and certify partners’ reports on the use of project resources, with due attention to donor rules and agreed reporting form and schedule;
•assist in increasing the leadership and accountability of the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster in the provision of humanitarian response to the affected population;
•assist the Senior Emergency and Rehabilitation Coordinator in the formulation of Plan of Actions and strategies
•perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:
•Advanced university degree in agriculture, agronomy or related subject
•Seven years of relevant experience in agriculture projects implementation, including experience as project manager/coordinator in the agricultural sector in developing countries
•Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another official language of the Organization.

Selection Criteria

•Relevance and level of academic qualifications
•Extent of experience in the implementation of agriculture and emergency projects, including knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures
•Demonstrated ability to liaise with donors, NGOs, governmental services and other institutions/stakeholders
•Extent of experience in the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia
•Communication and team building skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
•Ability to operate efficiently under pressure and in a volatile security environment
•Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in English
•Knowledge of Somali language and culture is an asset

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