The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist the government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
FAO is an Accredited Entity (AE) of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). In partnership with Cambodia's National Designated Authority (NDA), the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) are developing a project ”Public-Social-Private Partnerships for Ecologically-Sound Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods in Northern Tonle Sap Basin (PEARL)". This climate change adaptation project aims to enhance the climate resilience of farmers and local communities in the Northern Tonle Sap Basin (Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Oddor Meanchey) through public-social-private partnerships and improved access to growing segments of the agricultural product market, while ensuring climate-resilient practices.
The project has three outcomes i) improved hydrological and agrometeorological services, ii) climate adapted agriculture value chains development, and iii) strengthened agriculture regulation, policy, market, finance and institutional capacities. The project will work to improve four agriculture value chains: rice, mango, cashew nut and vegetables.
Reporting Lines
The Senior Project Officer (GCF PEARL Project) reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Cambodia and will work in close coordination with the Head of Operations, the Assistant FAO Representatives (AFAOR) for Programme and Administration and the Lead Technical Officer/Team at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP). The SPO (GCF PEARL Project) will receive additional technical guidance from relevant officers in RAP and relevant units at FAO headquarters.
Technical Focus
The SPO (GCF PEARL Project) will be responsible for project planning, implementation and monitoring to ensure technical coherence between different project components and related technical focus areas relevant to the project including mainstreaming climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector; supporting producer organizations adapt to climate change; inclusive and sustainable value chain development; business planning and agriculture finance; and digital innovation, extension and advisory services.
In addition, the SPO (GCF PEARL Project) will directly manage implementation of the project components and lead the negotiation and support of as well as fiduciary and programme monitoring of project components being implemented through operational partnerships.
Key Results
Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of projects, related products and services.
Key Functions
Leads the development, implementation and evaluation on technical issues of assigned programmes/projects; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.
Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
Provides advice to develop policies and strategies as well as national protocols and guide lines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.
Specific Functions
Leads the development of detailed project work plans, results-based Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP/B), implementation and monitoring of the project activities.
Manages a multidisciplinary team comprised of various national and international experts, consultants and supporting staff.
Advises on the terms of reference, selection, and recruitment of national and international experts.
Monitors and supervises the works of consultants and implementing partners.
Ensures timely development of procurement, human resource, finance and travel plans and manages day-to-day operations of the project.
Advises the establishment of strong s Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) system and ensures strong learning and communication within the project team and with wider stakeholders.
Advises on the establishment of systems to periodically monitor and take corrective action to address project implementation risks and any issues associated with project compliance with risk management strategies to meet GCF and FAO requirements for environmental and social safeguards and prevention and protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment.
Leads the preparation of the project's periodic reporting (financial and technical) including: 1) quarterly project progress reports, 2) six-monthly project progress reports, 3) annual project progress reports, as well as any other reports in a timely manner for review and clearance by the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and Budget Holder, prior to their submission to the PSC and the GCF Coordination Unit, respectively.
Leads the secretariat that supports project governance activities (Project Taskforce and Project Steering Committee), including preparation of documentation for consideration and provision of advice to enable adaptive management of the project.
Facilitates mainstreaming gender, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Social Protection, Accountability to Affected Population, involvement of youth and nutrition in the project.
Ensures that all project inputs, equipment, technical assistance and services are provided efficiently and in a timely manner.
Develops and keeps close liaison/working relations with national government counterparts, provincial authorities, line departments, UN agencies, private sector and other professional associations to ensure timely conduct of project activities, contractual arrangements, adequate information flow, discussions and feedback among the various stakeholders.
Facilitates meetings and ensures the timely and responsive delivery of planned meeting outputs and reports.
Provides policy and technical advice to the national government counterparts in the development and implementation of policy and strategies related to climate adaptation and resilience, value chain development, agricultural finance and agricultural certification schemes.
Prepares technical reports/policy documents required by the project in a timely manner.
Represents the project in meetings and conferences relevant to the achievement of the project's objectives.
Carries out any other relevant duties as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree in economics, business administration, management, agriculture, international development or related fields.
Ten years of relevant experience in project/programme planning, implementation and appraisal, including the development of results-based management/monitoring systems.
Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Technical/Functional Skills
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementation of large-scale complex projects/programmes in developing countries related to agriculture development.
Extent and relevance of experience in large-scale programme/project management, including in-depth knowledge of related administrative, operational and financial procedures.
Extent and relevance of experience working with governments, international organizations/resource partners, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the private sector, including project implementation by operational partners.
Excellent culturally aware interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (ministry, donors, private sector, NGOs and local community-based organizations).
Extent and relevance of experience promoting inclusive project implementation at all levels of the project, including recruiting and leading an inclusive project team.
Extent and relevance of experience in analysing climate change impacts, agrifood systems/value chains, natural resources management and related issues.
Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation of technical and policy reports, guidelines and manuals.
