National Project Coordinator Food and Agriculture Organization

Organizational Setting
The FAO Representation in Uganda (FRUGA) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to country priorities for food security, agriculture, forestry, and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the country. FAOs mandate is to support governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

The project Sustainable Wood-based Value Chains in Uganda” – GCP/UGA/072/EC aims to promote sustainable management practices of existing wood resources through wood resource planning, timber yield regulation plans, and certification schemes. It also seeks to enhance processing capacity and market development of wood products, strengthening aggregation models and supporting primary and secondary wood processors.

To address gaps related to investment and access to finance for SMEs in the wood-based industry, the project will provide capacity development and advisory services to local financing institutions (banks and non-banks) together with facilitating policy dialogues to improve the enabling environment for investors in the wood-based industry.

Reporting Lines
Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Uganda and the direct technical supervision of the Team Leader, Forestry FAO Uganda, and the technical backstopping of the regional Lead Technical Officer, the National Project Manager/Coordinator shall work with other Technical Advisors, programme specialists, and analysts in the implementation of the project.

Technical Focus
The incumbent will support the Team Leader in linking different components of the projects while strengthening effective working relationships with project stakeholders at national and sub-national levels. The incumbent will, in addition pay particular attention to ensuring social inclusion in the project implementation and ensure optimal involvement of women, youth, and other vulnerable groups.

Tasks and responsibilities
Coordination, Work plans and Reports
• Assist the Team Leader (Forestry) to develop project work and procurement plans and related budgets.
• Prepare draft project progress project reports and other reporting of the project.
• Support the preparation of draft annual reports.
• Prepare and coordinate draft project inception, evaluation, and closure reports
• Contribute to preparing agenda and minutes of meetings and ensure smooth and linkage among all the components of the project.

• Support preparation of project coordination meetings and related minutes and reports Communication, Monitoring and Institutional Linkages.
• Contribute to strengthening institutional linkages and collaboration with project stakeholders and partner including government ministries and departments, financial institutions, UN agencies, private sector and other partners involved in implementation of the Forest Partnership.

• Work closely with the M&E team to keep track of project targets and document impact of the project.
• Contribute to FAO Uganda programme and participate to regular exchange with communication to ensure visibility and project monitoring supported by M&E team.
• In collaboration with communications team, contribute to development of knowledge products and communication material to enhance project visibility.

• Provide support to social inclusion and specifically mainstream gender in project implementation and capacity development for implementing partners on gender mainstreaming.

Resource Mobilization
• Contribute to resource mobilization through formulation of project proposals and concept notes
• Participate in technical working groups with MDAs and development partners in order to convey key messages related to FAO work on sustainable natural resources management and commercial forestry

• Regular update of team leads about funding opportunities and identify synergies that may emerge from meetings
• Any other duty assigned by the supervisor.

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Wood Technology and Science, or any related qualifications.
• At least 10 years of proven experience in commercial forestry, sustainable forest management, and natural resources management in Uganda.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Uganda

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

Technical/Functional Skills
• Experience in commercial forestry/wood value chains and natural resources management.
• Experience in preparing concise and articulated reports, minutes, articles and studies.
• Experience in leading technical meetings through the preparation of clear concept notes, expected results of the meeting and an articulated agenda.
• Experience and knowledge of the commercial forestry/wood sector value chains is an important asset for the candidate. Additional knowledge in understanding the key players, financing landscape and investment related to forestry/wood industry is an asset for the position.

• Experience in strategic planning and execution in the forestry sector.
• Proven analytical capacity and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, analyse and solve problems and prioritise issues.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution skills.

Selection Criteria
• Proven experience in drafting good technical reports and preparation and reporting of quality reports and/or studies.
• Proven experience in coordinating technical meetings and stakeholder engagements including involvement in development partners’ discussions.
• Proven knowledge and experience in the preparation of work and procurement plans.
• Proven experience in project formulation and implementation and possess good skills for social inclusion (gender mainstreaming) in development programmes.
• Excellent knowledge of monitoring and evaluation techniques specific to forestry projects.
• Demonstrated experience in working with government agencies, private sector, NGOs, international organizations, and local communities.
• Knowledge of the commercial forestry sector, including timber production, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services.
• Familiarity with the local context and socio-economic conditions affecting forestry in Uganda.
• Ability to travel frequently within the country and occasionally internationally.
• Commitment to the project’s goals and objectives, with a focus on achieving sustainable forestry management and commercial success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Good level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)