National Programme Coordinator

Organizational Setting

FAO Albania leads efforts with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to support the sustainable digital transformation of Albania’s agriculture and rural areas with an ambitious 3-years joint programme (JP): “Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART)” funded by the SDG Fund – Digital Transformation Window call.

DART aims to increase agriculture productivity, advance socio-economic growth, and enhance rural livelihoods in Albania by 2027. It harnesses the potential of digitalization to transform the agri-food sector from national level to underserved rural areas in Albania delivering on three components: 1) the formulation of Albania’s National Digital Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan (led by FAO) 2) the farmer-centric design and delivery of digital services via the recently launched national Farmers’ Portal (Portali i Fermerit) (led by FAO) 3) the development of digital capacities among national public workers, TVET schools and centres; smallholder farmers and other vulnerable groups in rural areas (led by ILO).

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO Albania is responsible for leading FAO’s response to the national priorities for food security, agriculture and food systems including forestry and fisheries in the country. The Country Programme Framework (CPF) agreed between the Government of Albania and FAO defines the response to the priorities. FAO in Albania is an integral part of the United Nations Country Team in Albania and contributes through the CPF to the United National Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). FAO Albania works in close collaboration with the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and relevant Headquarters division in the implementation of the CPF including the private sector, academia and the civil society organizations.

In response to the growing demand for seizing the opportunities brought by digital technologies, FAO Regional Office in Europe and Central Asia (FAO REU) established its specialized team for Digital Agriculture. With a mission to act as a catalyzer for the digital transformation of agriculture across Europe and Central Asia, the team provides critical capabilities to country offices, technical units, and Members, while leading the implementation of key corporate initiatives, such as the FAO Digital Villages (DVI).

The FAO Office in Albania is multi-accreditation country of FAO and the FAO Representative for Albania is the Regional Programme Leader for Europe and Central Asia residing in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Budapest, Hungary. The incumbent will be based in Tirana, Albania, with the FAO country office. The assignment is of initially 11 months, with the prospect for extension for the entire duration of the project, totalling three years, contingent upon the individual’s satisfactory performance.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Albania, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO representative, under the technical leadership of the FAO Senior Technical Advisor on digital agriculture, in close coordination with the national and international consultant s involved in the project, and in consultation with focal points in the relevant Ministries, UN Agencies and international and national partners.

Technical Focus

The National Programme Coordinator (NPC) will play a critical role in DART programme implementation by overseeing the effective programme management, monitoring, reporting and communication. Under the supervision of Assistant FAO Representative, this role involves oversighting timelines, activities, and budget; executing logistic and procurement operations; facilitating the organisation of stakeholder consultations and the coordination among various local, national and international actors involved in the JP (including representatives of the EU pre-accession negotiations) and contributing to the final reporting to the funder and steering committee.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Ensure the overall management of Joint Programme’s activities, resources, and timeline in compliance with the agreed workplan and commitments to human rights, gender equality, and SDG localisation;
• Ensure the regular programme coordination and timely communication between FAO, ILO and ITU, donors and Steering Committee (SC);
• Organise the regular meetings and reporting to Joint Programme Sterring Committee;, and participate in national UN results groups, other working groups as well as other meetings related to the activities of the Joint Programme;
• Liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as other national partners and stakeholders to ensure the project’s desired impact; organize, facilitate, and participate in meetings with stakeholders and project partners.
• Coordinate project operations, procurement, and administrative tasks; including the day-to-day activities of project operations and admin assistants;
• Undertake regular monitoring and joint missions to ensure timely delivery and quality of FAO components;
• Document the progress, results achieved and impact, capture lessons learnt, and consolidate the annual results-based report, based upon inputs from other PUNOs (progress against planned activities and outputs);
• Update the Joint Programme results framework, workplan and budget in adherence to quality standards;
• Finalize the project’s closure documents including financial and performance reports;
• Provide support and undertake additional tasks, as may arise within the scope of the project, to ensure successful completion of the expected outcomes, as may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in economics. business administration, political science or any relevant specific field related to the JP, such as agriculture, rural development etc., OR education in a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the above-mentioned fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the following areas: project management, stakeholder engagement, agriculture and rural development
• Working knowledge of English and Albanian
• National of Albania

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in Albania. Work experience in more than one location or area of work is an advantage.
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project management, stakeholder management, and monitoring
• Familiarity with agriculture and rural development in Albania, as well as knowledge and relationships with local actors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION