Apply Today! FAO National Project Coordinator (2026)
Apply Today! FAO National Project Coordinator (2026)
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the UN working to eradicate hunger, improve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture worldwide. FAO’s Strategic Framework aims to transform agri‑food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and better lives—leaving no one behind.
Environmental sustainability is integral to FAO’s mission. Across the Pacific, FAO works closely with national governments and partners to strengthen institutional capacity, build climate resilience, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable livelihoods through integrated land, coastal, and seascape management.
Organizational Context
FAO is supporting national authorities through a portfolio of climate change, biodiversity, and natural resource management programmes funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). These initiatives focus on:
- Enhancing transparency and monitoring of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Restoring and protecting biodiversity and coastal landscapes
- Building climate resilience through nature‑based solutions
- Promoting women and youth entrepreneurship linked to environmental sustainability
The National Project Coordinator will support coordination across multiple projects and government partners, ensuring alignment with national priorities and timely delivery of project outcomes.
Key Projects Supported by This Role
1. Climate Transparency (CBIT) Project
FAO is co‑executing a GEF‑funded initiative aimed at strengthening national capacity in the energy, agriculture, forestry, and land‑use sectors to improve transparency in the implementation and monitoring of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This project supports enhanced data systems, reporting, and institutional coordination and runs through December 2026.
2. Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme (GEF‑8)
This recently approved project focuses on restoring biodiversity, protecting coastal landscapes, and strengthening climate resilience through nature‑based solutions, with a strong emphasis on women and youth entrepreneurship. Implemented in collaboration with national authorities, the project requires strong coordination, fiduciary oversight, and stakeholder engagement to ensure effective delivery.
Role Purpose
The National Project Coordinator plays a central role in coordination, collaboration, and communication across government entities, FAO technical teams, project personnel, and development partners. The incumbent ensures that projects are implemented in line with agreed objectives, timelines, and compliance requirements while promoting synergies across initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
The National Project Coordinator will:
- Coordinate and oversee implementation activities carried out by national and international personnel engaged under FAO‑supported projects
- Liaise closely with the National Project Director and key stakeholders to strengthen implementation, fund disbursement, and operational coordination
- Support effective collaboration with climate, forestry, fisheries, and environmental departments involved in project delivery
- Coordinate micro‑assessment processes and related compliance requirements for GEF‑funded initiatives
- Facilitate formal agreements, including project documentation and letters of agreement with executing entities
- Support the organization of project inception workshops, steering committee meetings, and the establishment of project management units
- Contribute to recruitment processes for project personnel and consultants
- Provide ongoing operational and coordination support to the FAO Country Office as required
Reporting Lines and Working Relationships
The National Project Coordinator works under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub‑Regional Coordinator for the Pacific, with programmatic guidance from the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and technical oversight from the Forestry Officer. The role involves close collaboration with regional and sub‑regional FAO offices, national ministries, and departmental counterparts.
Required Qualifications
Education
- University degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Seascape Management, Environment, Climate Change, Ecology, or a closely related field
Experience
- Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in planning, implementation, and management of GEF‑funded or comparable development projects
- Demonstrated experience coordinating multi‑stakeholder programmes involving government institutions
- Prior working experience with FAO in the Pacific region is required
Languages
- Working knowledge of English
Nationality
- Applicants must be nationals of Vanuatu
FAO Core Competencies
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Effective Communication
- Building and Maintaining Partnerships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Diversity, Integrity, and Safeguards
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity and encourages applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of under‑represented backgrounds. All staff and personnel are required to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct.
FAO maintains a zero‑tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: National Project Personnel (Non‑staff)
- Duration: 12 months (with potential for extension subject to performance and funding)
- Grade Level: Not applicable (NPP)
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal. Applications submitted through other channels will not be considered.
Applicants are required to:
- Complete an accurate and up‑to‑date online profile
- Attach a letter of motivation
- Submit their application before the stated deadline
- APPLY HERE.
Only academic qualifications from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) are accepted.
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Why This Role Matters
This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development at national and regional levels. By strengthening coordination and implementation of high‑impact environmental programmes, the National Project Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring that global commitments translate into tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.
If you are a committed development professional ready to support transformational change, this role offers both purpose and professional growth within the United Nations system.
