SENIOR NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR (FOREST AND LAND USE)

OVERVIEW

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialised UN agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. Through its country offices, FAO provides technical assistance, strengthens institutional capacity, and supports sustainable agricultural and environmental development.

FAO Malawi is implementing projects focused on forest and farm landscape restoration, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. These include the Malawi component of the AFR100 initiative and the Global Environment Facility's (GEF7) Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme (DSL-IP).

FAO invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use), based in Lilongwe.

ORGANISATIONAL UNIT: FRMLW – FAO Representation in Malawi

JOB TYPE: Non-Staff Opportunity – National Project Personnel (NPP)

CONTRACT DURATION: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Date Posted: Wednesday, 28th October, 2026

Application Deadline: Thursday, 12th November, 2026

POSITION: SENIOR NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR (FOREST AND LAND USE)

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior National Project Coordinator will provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for forest and land-use projects under FAO Malawi. The role involves coordinating project implementation, managing budgets and workplans, strengthening partnerships, supervising project personnel, and ensuring timely reporting and achievement of project objectives.

The successful candidate will also contribute to resource mobilisation, the development of new project proposals, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of sustainable forestry, landscape restoration, and climate-resilient natural resource management.

Reports to: Assistant FAO Representative in Malawi responsible for the programme, under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Academic, Professional Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or another closely related field.
• Have at least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, natural resource management, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, forestry, and the implementation of donor-funded projects, particularly projects funded through vertical funds such as GEF and GCF.
• Have working knowledge of English at Level C.
• Be a national of Malawi or a resident of Malawi with a valid work permit.

TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong programme and project management skills.
• Strategic planning and coordination capabilities.
• Knowledge of irrigation engineering, climate-resilient agriculture, and natural resource management.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership-development skills.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting expertise.
• Operational and financial management capabilities.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership, facilitation, and team-management abilities.

FAO CORE COMPETENCIES

Candidates should demonstrate the following core competencies:

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

SELECTION CRITERIA

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:

• Proven leadership in programme coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners, national organisations, and community-based organisations.
• Familiarity with FAO project implementation, which will be an added advantage.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Project Leadership and Coordination

• Provide strategic leadership, technical direction, and quality assurance for project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Oversee project activities to ensure timely, effective, and high-quality implementation.
• Coordinate the implementation of the AFR100 and GEF7 projects in collaboration with government counterparts and project partners at national and district levels.
• Organise and facilitate partner meetings, technical meetings, steering committee meetings, and project missions.
• Brief and advise FAO country senior management on project progress, risks, and opportunities.

2. Planning, Budgeting, and Operational Management

• Lead the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and accountability of project budgets, workplans, travel plans, and procurement plans.
• Ensure that project plans and budgets align with project objectives, implementation schedules, and FAO policies and procedures.
• Coordinate field missions and operational activities related to project implementation.
• Provide operational guidance and troubleshooting support to FAO field offices and project districts.

3. Partnership Development and Contract Management

• Strengthen and maintain partnerships with government institutions, resource partners, service providers, and other stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and oversight to project partners.
• Oversee the development, negotiation, implementation, and performance management of sub-contracts with implementing partners, including Letters of Agreement (LoAs) and Operational Partners Agreements (OPAs).
• Ensure partner agreements comply with FAO rules, regulations, and accountability requirements.
• Promote synergies between government programmes and FAO interventions.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Lead the preparation, quality control, and submission of periodic project reports.
• Coordinate progress reports, mid-term review reports, final evaluation reports, and project closure or termination reports.
• Monitor project performance and ensure accountability for agreed results.
• Identify implementation challenges and coordinate appropriate corrective action.
• Develop and disseminate knowledge products documenting best practices, lessons learned, and project results.

5. Resource Mobilisation and Strategic Development

• Contribute to strategic planning and technical discussions within the natural resources and environmental sustainability sectors.
• Identify opportunities for new projects and innovative approaches.
• Lead resource mobilisation efforts to strengthen FAO's forestry, land restoration, climate change, and environmental sustainability portfolio.
• Contribute to the formulation of new project ideas and proposals.

6. Staff Supervision and Knowledge Sharing

• Supervise personnel working under the project.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams and relevant stakeholders.
• Promote knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Perform other duties as required.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official FAO recruitment portal.

Application Link: Apply for Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use)

Closing Date: Thursday, 12th November, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to review the official vacancy page for the complete application instructions and submit their applications before the deadline.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, applicable residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• FAO promotes gender, geographical, and linguistic diversity among its staff and international consultants.