Technical Advisor

To ensure project coordination and execution across the whole project area a Binational Project Coordination Unit will be set up. Such unit should ensure a rigorous and efficient implementation of annual work plan and budget, following Project Steering Committee and FAOs project task force guidance and decisions. 

This vacancy announcement is for the project coordinator (also referred in the project document as Chief Technical Advisor).

The position is located in Montevideo, Uruguay

Reporting Lines:

Technical Advisor will work under the direct guidance and oversight of responds directly to the Budget Holder of the project under technical monitoring of the FAO Lead Technical Officer (LTO). 

Technical Focus: 

The incumbent performs a variety of routine functions related to work. He/She will be in charge of the technical implementation, management, and oversight of the project, on behalf of the national partners and within the framework outlined in the approved Project Results Framework, and approved Project Budget 

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Lead the technical planning, coordinate and monitor the technical delivery of project outcomes, outputs and activities in coordination with the National Project Directors of both countries.
• Prepare the project work plan for approval of the LTO and the Steering Committee;
• Assist as Secretary of the Steering Committee;
• Provide technical guidance to the executing partner(s), technical service providers and experts to ensure that the activities are implemented using relevant FAO instruments, in particular International Waters and Integrated Water Resources Management approaches, tools and methodologies and best practices and gender principles;
• Provide technical guidance, assess, review and approve the deliverables of the GEF-financed national technical specialists, and the technical outputs of the executing partners/service providers, short-time consultants, and other technical teams financed by projects funds, in close consultation with FAO and the national partners. Coordinate the GEF-financed team;
• Ensure technical alignment of this GEF project’s objectives and the programs implemented by partner institutions and organizations at binational, national and local levels. Promote technical synergies with related GEF and non-GEF initiatives, in particular IW projects and programmes, and other connected initiatives financed by the international cooperation in the project intervention area;
• Support the organization and facilitation of bi-national meetings relevant to the project implementation, monitoring and evaluation and ensure a high level of collaboration between participating institutions and organizations at the national and local levels;
• Supervise the project’s M&E and communications plans, including the incorporation of gender considerations, and the implementation of the project’s gender plan;
• Prepare the first draft of the Project Implementation Review (PIR), for FAO LTO’s review. Discuss technical findings with binational and national partners and FAO technical Project Task Force;
• Responsible for the preparation and presentation of semi-annual, annual and final (technical-financial) reports of the project, following the established formats and according to the expected dates.
• Inform the Project Steering Committee (PSC), the LTO and FAO of any technical bottlenecks, delays and difficulties that arise during implementation to ensure timely corrective action and support. Discuss and find the best technical solutions for unexpected challenges;
• Ensure a close relationship and collaboration on project activities with other relevant regional and binational activities and partners.
• Contribute to the effective dissemination of lessons learned at the national and regional levels, and;
• Perform other duties, as required.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:

Minimum Requirements:

• University degree in agronomy science, economy, rural development, biology, natural resources management, environmental management, international cooperation or related matters.
• Overall professional experience of 8 years in the environmental field and/or rural development.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Spanish and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English. Working knowledge of Portuguese is highly desirable.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2403080