The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an intergovernmental Organization with more than 190 member countries. Since its inception, FAO has worked to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition and the pursuit of food security - defined as the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life. 

To achieve its goals, FAO cooperates with thousands of partners worldwide, from farmers’ group to traders, from non-governmental organizations to other UN agencies, from development banks to agribusiness firms (further and more detailed information on FAO can be found on the internet site: http://www.fao.org).

Since 2002, FAO Coordination Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS) Programme has supported the preparation for, and response to, food and agricultural threats and livelihood emergencies in the WBGS through emergency relief, rehabilitation and revitalization of productive capacity. FAO interventions help protect access and entitlements of Palestinian farming households to land, water, services and markets. Such interventions are essential to enhance overall food security, reduce dependency on relief assistance amongst vulnerable Palestinians and contribute to institution building. 

FAO WBGS will start the implementation of projects addressing the enhancement of the fishery-based livelihoods in Gaza with funding from Denmark, Norway and Japan.In order to strengthen its technical and operational capacities in implementing its programme, particularly in supporting fisheries based livelihoods in Gaza Strip, FAO is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager. S/he will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, the direct supervision of the Head of Programme and in close collaboration with the relevant FAO WBGS team members. 

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, the direct supervision of the Head of Programme,  the coordination of FAO Field Operations Coordinator for the Gaza Strip for matters related to Operations, Security and Liaison, and in close consultation with relevant FAO team members in the WBGS, the Project Manager will perform the following tasks: 

• ensure efficient and quality project(s) implementation and coordinate all activities 
• establish and maintain close collaboration and working arrangements with national/international staff, experts and support personnel engaged the project(s) and provide day to day support as needed
• coordinate, prepare, update and manage the project(s) workplan(s), operational manuals(s) and information for planned deployment of short-term expertise and procurement actions, and monitor their implementation consistent with FAO rules and procedures, donor requirements and political/security constraints;
• manage beneficiary selection and follow up processes to ensure compliance with the criteria and manage the scoring and ranking of the applications for investment support in compliance with the project document(s) and operational manual(s);
• lead the consultative preparation of the operational manuals(s), tools and SOPs and ensure their implementation to administer fishing boats repairs/improvement investment support modality;
• keep track of the main milestones and activities and deliverables, with regards to  the gender/age/geographical considerations in the outreach activities of the project and lead immediate corrective actions with the project team and partners to ensure effective and timely participation.
• coordinate the training and on the job coaching activities addressing the enhancement of the capacities and service delivery of the related units of MoA and other partners.
• assist in the identification, help select and supervise the work of the local contractors involved in project implementation (including local NGOs and CBOs, contractors and suppliers);
• ensure timely delivery of services by consultants, suppliers, contractors and implementing partners;
• maintain effective relationships with and ensure the buy-in of project partners and stakeholders including private sector organizations and identify and develop opportunities for partnership where possible;
• ensure familiarity and compliance with FAO commitments to Accountability to Affected Population including prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse guidelines and FAO Grievance Redressal Mechanism.
• organize, and prepare background information and updates on project progress (including achievements and bottlenecks) for regular project meetings;
• prepare project progress reports in line with donor requirements and FAO rules and procedures in a timely manner;
• ensure visibility of project activities and achievements in close collaboration with the reporting and communication team,
• take lead in handling the agreements following the project log frame, with the implementing partners including managing the agreements for results, reviewing, and clearing the monitoring reports from implementing partners and certifying requests for payments in compliance with FAO’s rules and regulations;
• contribute to the formulation of concept notes and/or project documents for relevant or follow up projects.  
• perform other related duties as required.

FAO Core Competencies:

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

Technical/Functional Competencies:

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards,
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of FAO,
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability, 
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism. 

Functional Competencies:?

a) Knowledge Management and Learning,

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office,
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice, areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

b) Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to apply conceptual models in support of formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects,
• Strong IT skills.

c) Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback,
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude,
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills,
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure,
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

d) Communication Competencies

• Effectively communicates relevant project information to superiors,
• Delivers engaging, informative and well-organized presentations,

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, and interpersonal skills.

Education:

Advanced University degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Agricultural Sciences or other relevant field.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of experience in leading positions in developmental projects implementation and coordination, preferably managing complex developmental projects related to fisheries, food, or agriculture. 
• Proven experience in leading a team and managing a complex projects; and proven experience in dealing and liaising with PA, UN, donors and nongovernmental national and international organizations. 
• Experience with UN or international organizations is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic.

Other:

• Excellent reporting and communication skills. 
• Professional skills in standard computer applications.