National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

FAO Mongolia works with the vision “to be a leading, credible and responsive partner in ensuring food and nutrition security of the population”. The office has been coordinating projects and programmes in research, capacity building, natural resources management, technology transfer, food and agriculture policy, livestock production systems management, emergency and post crisis management, forestry information, statistics, food security and nutrition, emergency response operations, crop production system management, and food quality and safety.

This position with the Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme is located in the National Forestry Agency, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVC) implemented by FAO’s Forestry Division (NFO) supports the implementation of Forest Partnerships between the European Union and Partner Countries. Forest Partnerships are a new and key instrument of the European Union’s Action to promote sustainable forest management and value chains. They are based on a holistic and integrated approach to forests, reflecting a high-level commitment to enhancing the role of forests in sustainable and inclusive national development whilst improving sector law enforcement, governance and trade. Forest Partnerships promote innovative investment and finance models to create efficient, pragmatic and impactful links between government, industry and forest communities. The FGVC support to Forest Partnerships revolves around two pillars:
• improving governance for sustainable forest management, forest protection and restoration, and plantation development; and
• developing legal and sustainable forest-based value chains.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator reports to the Assistant FAO Representative in Mongolia, with supporting guidance provided by the Programme Manager of the Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVC) and the International Forest Governance Consultant for Asia and the Pacific.

Technical Focus

Programme coordination and technical and operational assistance based on the incumbent’s knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of Mongolia.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Participate in the identification, formulation, implementation and closure of baby projects under the FGVC (implemented by Letters of Agreement – LoA); monitors and reviews the status of baby project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the defined work plan and key performance indicators; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
• Assist with technical review of reports and deliverables submitted by FGVC Service Providers, as well as relevant assessments conducted by FGVC partners;
• Provide on-demand technical support to the National Forest Agency, and other local or national government bodies as appropriate, in topical areas relevant to the FGVC such as forestry and/or green finance;
• Participate actively in the Technical Working Group responsible for implementing the EU-Mongolia Forest Partnership;
• Coordinate actively with TWG members and other resource partners and stakeholders relevant for FGVC implementation;
• Identifie partnership opportunities with private sector and financing institutions, in support of FGVC activities to secure sources of sustainable financing for communities and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises;
• Lead processes for recruiting short-term consultants and experts to provide capacity building or mentoring support to FGVC beneficiaries, as agreed with the TWG, government partners and the Programme Manager;
• Contribute to FGVC progress and annual reporting, as requested by the Programme Manager;
• Undertake duty travel within Mongolia as necessary to monitor and support the implementation of FGVC field activities and relevant FP actions;
• Manage in-country budget issued via Field-based Authorizations, in accordance with FAO financial management procedures;
• Identifie and develops synergies between the FGVC and other relevant forestry projects being implemented at the country level, such as the FAO-GIZ led STREAM project and other projects identified by the NFA;
• Perform other duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in business, finance, forestry, natural resources management, or other fields related to the work of the Organization
• Five years of relevant experience in green finance, forest economics and/or project implementation in an area of FAO’s activities in the country
• Working knowledge in English and Mongolian languages
• National of Mongolia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience with project management and development;
• Experience in working with international partners/organizations, government agencies, and the private sector;
• Experience in providing technical advice and support on business management and planning;
• Experience working in the finance sector and channeling finance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises;
• Demonstrated understanding of operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION