Job Description
2601971
National Project Coordinator
Job Posting
: 18/Sep/2026
Closure Date
: 02/Oct/2026, 9:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: SAP - Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands
Job Type
: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location
: Vanuatu-Port Vila
Duration: 3 months
Post Number: N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceFAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and cultureQualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. Organizational SettingThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations. The FAO mission is to work toward the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone as stated in the 2030 Agenda. The FAO’s Strategic Framework aspires to transform agri-food systems so that they are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The ultimate goals of these efforts include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while leaving no one behind.FAO as a specialized agency of the United Nations, is supporting the Government of Vanuatu with several natural resources management, seascapes management and climate change related programme and projects. FAO Vanuatu’s County Office is closely working with the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock Forestry Fisheries & Biosecurity, and the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, and their respective Departments to build institutional and technical capacity, resilience of ecosystems and the communities, and ensure sustainable tourism. This has been possible through different funds including the Global Environment Facility (GEF).The Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management project in Tongoa Island is a three-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Vanuatu. The Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, GEO-hazards, Environment and Energy; and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity are the Executing Agencies. The project is working closely with other partners within the public and private sectors and members of the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). The project is gearing towards obtaining its objective to effectively restore degraded landscapes and implement climate-resilient sustainable land management practices in Tongoa Island until the end of March 2027.
Reporting LinesThe National Project Coordinator (NPC) will perform task under the overall administrative leadership of the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific; guidance of A-FAOR (Programme) Vanuatu; and the technical guidance of the Forestry Officer-SAP, and under the technical supervision of GEF Project Technical Specialist. The NPC will closely work with the Regional and Sub-regional offices of FAO, and relevant Ministries, and its Departments at Vanuatu to perform the tasks as outlined.
Technical FocusThe incumbent will play a key role to lead and coordinate all the remaining project activities in accordance with the approved Annual Work Plan and Budget for the Tongoa Island.
Tasks and responsibilitiesThe NPC will perform the following tasks:• Lead and coordinate implementation of all remaining project activities in accordance with the approved Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B).
- Ensure timely completion of project outputs, outcomes and targets as outlined in the Project Document and Results Framework.
- Organize and facilitate Project Steering Committee meetings and other project coordination meetings, ensuring timely follow-up on decisions and actions.
- Monitor implementation progress against approved work plans, budgets and performance indicators and recommend corrective actions where required.
- Ensure collection, verification and reporting of project monitoring data and maintain records required for reporting against project indicators.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual technical and financial reports and support preparation of the GEF Project Implementation Report (PIR).
- Monitor project expenditures and support budget management to ensure efficient utilization of project resources in compliance with FAO rules and procedures.
- Track and report co-financing contributions from project partners and stakeholders.
- Maintain effective communication and coordination with relevant government ministries, provincial authorities, communities, customary landowners, NGOs, development partners and private sector stakeholders.
- Monitor consultant and contractor performance and ensure timely delivery of agreed outputs.
- Support implementation of monitoring, evaluation, audit and terminal evaluation activities as required by FAO and GEF.
- Document lessons learned, success stories and best practices arising from project implementation.
- Lead preparation of project closure documentation, including sustainability and exit strategies, asset handover documentation and final project reports.
- Prepare and submit a final technical report detailing project achievements, challenges, lessons learned, sustainability measures and recommendations for post-project follow-up.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements • University degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Natural Resources Management or Life Sciences. Post-graduate degree highly desirable
- 5 years of relevant experience in planning, project implementation, and management of GEF funded projects/programmes including the planning, implementation and execution. Working experience with FAO in the Pacific is required
- Working knowledge of English and Bislama
- National of Vanuatu.
FAO Core Competencies• Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)Applications received after the closing date will not be acceptedPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. HOW TO APPLY• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
- Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
- Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
- Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
- We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT