Project Specialist

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Description

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Organizational Setting

As part of its program implementation, FAO supports the Haitian Government in improving food security and promoting sustainable rural development in the face of recurring climate, food, and nutritional crises. FAO implements projects either directly or through operational partners and is accountable to resource-providing partners and the government for project results management, timely reporting, technical quality of outcomes, and appropriate resource use. FAO operates cross various location with Haiti such as Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes and Cap Haïtien. 

Reporting Lines

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the FAOR Haiti, the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, and in close consultation with the FAO Haiti technical teams and relevant Units of the Regional Office for Latin America and Caribbean (RLC), the Subregional Office for Central America (SLM) and Headquarters.

Technical Focus 

The Project Specialist is responsible for supporting the project implementation by managing daily operations, coordinating with teams for timely assistance, preparing documentation, and ensuring readiness for emergencies. Key tasks include data analysis, project design, collaboration with partners, and field visits to support activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide programmatic support to the implementation of projects and programmes;
• Handle day-to-day operational aspects of projects and programmes in accordance with the project management cycle from initiation phase to operational and financial closure; 
• Liaise between programme, operations and procurement units to ensure timely delivery of assistance to beneficiaries, following project workplans, budget availability and in accordance with relevant manual sections;
• Coordinate the production and clearance of supporting documents (concept notes, baselines, surveys, project documents, financial and narrative reports, visibility materials…);
• Ensure preparedness of the country office to scale up following emerging needs or emergencies, including data collection and analysis; 
• Research, input and analyze technical, food and nutrition security assessments, emergency response, policy related and/or funding/project related data and information to support the development and delivery of programme and projects, products and services;
• Participate in the design of projects and programmes, including the preparation and presentation of project proposals and fully-fledged project documents and budgets;
• Liaise with other government, UN, cluster/sector, NGO and donor partners at the appropriate level to ensure the best preparation and implementation of activities;
• Liaise with MEAL team and field offices for providing support in the implementation of activities and monitoring
• Maintain and update key country-level food security/needs information and response, information systems and databases, as applicable.
• Undertake travel and field visits to ensure adequate support is provided to the implementation of projects and programmes;
• Perform other duties as required. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, International Relations, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Economics, or Agriculture/Rural Development or a related Field.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in project or programme management, operational and field experience, coordination and stakeholder engagement
• Working knowledge of French and English, Spanish is a plus

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proficiency in the project management cycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure; knowledge of project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana).
• Ability to collect, input, and analyze technical data, especially in food security, nutrition, and emergency response; familiarity with data analysis tools like Excel, SPSS, or Power BI.
• Skills in budget planning, tracking, and financial reporting to ensure alignment with available resources and project objectives.
• Competence in drafting, editing, and coordinating various project documents, including concept notes, proposals, and narrative/financial reports.
• Strong coordination abilities to liaise effectively between programme, operations, procurement units, and external partners, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Ability to develop technical documents, policy briefs, visibility materials, and detailed reports to a high standard.
• Knowledge of M&E processes and tools for tracking project outcomes, working closely with MEAL teams, and ensuring data-driven improvements.
• Skills in working with government agencies, UN bodies, NGOs, and donors, understanding their roles and requirements for successful collaboration.
• Experience in readiness planning, including the development of contingency measures and response strategies for emergencies.
• Ability to conduct field visits, assess project progress, and provide on-ground support for operational activities.
• Skills in maintaining and updating country-level information systems and databases relevant to project needs.
• Capability to handle diverse tasks, make adjustments in response to field requirements, and address challenges effectively.

Selection Criteria 

• Proven experience in leading and managing project teams, including successful project completion and delivery.
• Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2403374

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