Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized United Nations agency working to defeat hunger and ensure food security, operating in over 130 countries worldwide. The FAO Representation in Malawi is seeking a Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use) to lead coordination of its natural resources and climate change portfolio.

About the role

• Organizational unit: FRMLW – FAO Representation in Malawi
• Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
• Contract type: Non-staff opportunity, National Project Personnel (NPP)
• Duration: 12 months, with possibility of extension
• Job posting date: 28/Oct/2026
• Closing date: 12/Nov/2026, 12:59:00 AM (based on the applicant's local device settings)

Background

FAO Malawi's field programme includes a cluster of projects in Natural Resources and Climate Change, including the Malawi component of the regional "Achieving AFR100 with forest and farm producers" project, supported by the German Ministry of Environment (BMZ), and the "Transforming landscapes and livelihoods" project under the GEF7 Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme (DSL-IP). The AFR100 project aims to restore degraded landscapes and build resilience among forest and farm producers, contributing to the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative's goal of restoring 100 million hectares across Africa by 2030. The GEF7 DSL-IP project supports a cross-sector approach to restoring Malawi's Miombo and Mopane woodlands.

Reporting lines

The Senior National Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative responsible for the programme, in close collaboration with country, sub-regional, regional and headquarters staff, government counterparts and development partners.

Technical focus

The incumbent will provide technical leadership and coordination for the AFR100 and GEF7 DSL-IP projects, and any other projects assigned by the FAO Representative, managing day-to-day implementation in line with project design and objectives, and contributing to new project proposals and resource mobilization.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, technical direction and quality assurance for the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of all assigned projects.
• Lead preparation, implementation, monitoring and accountability of project budgets, workplans, travel plans and procurement plans in compliance with FAO rules.
• Oversee and coordinate project matters to ensure timely, effective and high-quality implementation and results.
• Build and sustain partnerships with government institutions, resource partners and service providers, providing mentorship and technical oversight.
• Coordinate with relevant units and teams to ensure accountability and timely completion of tasks.
• Plan, coordinate and supervise field missions and operational activities.
• Lead technical and operational coordination of the AFR100 and GEF7 projects with partners and government counterparts at national and district level, including organizing partner, technical and steering committee meetings, and briefing senior management on progress, risks and opportunities.
• Lead formulation, review and updating of project workplans, budget plans, travel plans, HR plans and procurement plans.
• Oversee development, negotiation, implementation and performance management of sub-contracts with implementing partners, including Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and Operational Partners Agreements (OPAs).
• Lead preparation, quality control and submission of periodic project reports, including progress, mid-term review, final evaluation, closure and termination reports.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to FAO field offices and project districts, promoting synergies with government programmes and FAO interventions.
• Contribute to strategic planning, knowledge sharing and technical discussions on natural resources and environment.
• Identify opportunities and lead resource mobilization to strengthen FAO's forestry, land restoration and climate change portfolio.
• Develop and disseminate knowledge products capturing best practices and project results.
• Supervise affiliate personnel working under the project.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum requirements

• Advanced university degree recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources Management or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, natural resource management, watershed management, ecosystem restoration or forestry, including implementation of donor-funded projects, specifically vertical funds (GEF, GCF and others).
• Working knowledge of English (Level C).
• National of Malawi or resident with a valid work permit.

FAO core competencies

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/functional skills

• Programme and project management.
• Strategic planning and coordination.
• Irrigation engineering, climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Operational and financial management.
• Analytical thinking and problem solving.
• Leadership and facilitation skills.

Selection criteria

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in programme coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners, national organizations and community-based organizations.
• Understanding of FAO project implementation will be an added advantage.

Additional information

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• FAO only considers higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

How to apply

• Applicants must apply through the Jobmadic "Apply" button.
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to their application.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.