Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations working in over 130 countries to achieve food security for all, is seeking to fill the position of Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation) in Malawi.

Job Details

• Organizational unit: FAO Representation in Malawi (FRMLW)
• Job type: Non-staff opportunity, National Project Personnel (NPP)
• Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
• Duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension
• Posting date: 21/Oct/2026
• Closing date: 05/Nov/2026, 12:59:00 AM

Organizational Setting

• FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and technical support to countries within FAO's mandated areas, guided by each country's Country Programming Framework aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
• These offices advocate for relevant policies and investments, deliver technical assistance and core services, support partnership and resource mobilization, position FAO as a leading technical authority in agrifood systems, and maintain accountable, risk-smart operations.

Technical Focus

• The Senior National Project Coordinator will provide technical leadership and coordination for all projects within the irrigation portfolio of the FAO Country Office, as FAO and the Government of Malawi, together with resource partners, expand investment in the irrigation sub-sector.

Reporting Lines

• The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, in close collaboration with FAO personnel at country, sub-regional, regional and headquarters levels, government counterparts, and development partners.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate development of project workplans and detailed budgets in line with signed project agreements.
• Lead and coordinate implementation of project activities and approved workplans.
• Provide technical guidance on irrigation development, climate resilience, natural resource management and agricultural development.
• Coordinate operational planning, budgeting, procurement and implementation to ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
• Strengthen collaboration and partnerships among FAO, government institutions, UN agencies, development partners and other stakeholders.
• Lead project monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning and knowledge management.
• Ensure compliance with project agreements, safeguard requirements, donor commitments and FAO procedures.
• Lead, with the communications team, the design and implementation of communication, visibility and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Lead project management and coordination structures, including technical committees, coordination platforms and stakeholder engagement, including participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups.
• Coordinate preparation and updating of annual, quarterly and monthly work, budget, travel and procurement plans and implementation schedules.
• Lead preparation and management of Letters of Agreement, service contracts, partnership arrangements and related administrative processes.
• Lead preparation and implementation of procurement plans and follow up on procurement of goods, services and works, in consultation with the Budget Holder.
• Provide technical guidance on climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, watershed management and sustainable natural resource management.
• Ensure project activities promote integrated approaches that improve agricultural productivity, climate resilience, environmental sustainability and natural resource management.
• Strengthen collaboration with government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, private sector actors and community organizations.
• Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, learning, supervision, audits, reviews, surveys, assessments and field missions, with follow-up on recommendations.
• Lead preparation and timely submission of technical and donor reports, progress updates, mission reports, communication materials and knowledge products, including documentation of lessons learned and good practices.
• Lead preparation of project concept notes, proposals and project documents to support resource mobilization.
• Represent the project in technical and coordination meetings, providing technical input on project matters.
• Participate in technical workshops, meetings and forums, facilitating knowledge sharing and strengthening the visibility of FAO's work.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree, from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, in Irrigation Engineering or Agricultural Engineering, with Natural Resources Management as a minor.
• At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, irrigation engineering and watershed management.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• National of Malawi.

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 experience in programme coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners and community-based organizations.

Additional Information

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

How to Apply

• Applications are accepted only through the employer's official recruitment portal; please use the Apply button on this listing.
• Candidates should attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.