Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices\:
(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Jordan.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator will be based in the FAO Jordan Country Office and will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Jordan (FAOR). The incumbent will report directly FAOR Jordan, and will work in close collaboration with the FAO programme team and relevant counterparts in the Ministry of Agriculture. The National Project Coordinator will receive technical supervision from the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and will be directly guided on day-to-day technical matters by the International Agribusiness Consultant.
The incumbent will also work under the operational supervision of the Programme Officer, ensuring effective coordination and timely implementation of project activities, in close collaboration with the project team and consultants. The National Project Coordinator will also maintain strong operational coordination with other government counterparts, financial institutions, municipalities, private sector actors, and other project stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and alignment with FAO policies and standards.

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator will lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Joint Programme (JP) aimed at transforming Jordan’s agrifood systems through strengthened market linkages, rural alliances, and innovative financing solutions. The role will focus on enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of producers through the establishment and strengthening of rural alliances, supporting the integration of climate-smart agriculture technologies into investment planning and financing, and expanding consumer access to safe, diverse, and nutritious locally produced food. Key technical priorities include mobilizing partnerships, operationalizing blended finance mechanisms, guiding the development of investment plans, ensuring compliance with environmental and fiduciary standards, and mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion across all project interventions. The National Project Coordinator will also oversee the preparation of the Project Implementation Manual, including a Grant Manuel, launch and manage Call for Proposals, and establish robust monitoring and reporting systems to ensure timely, accountable, and results-driven project delivery.

Tasks and responsibilities

Provide overall coordination, management, and supervision of project implementation, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and effective performance of all project staff, consultants, and service providers.
Lead the preparation, consolidation, and validation of the Project Implementation Manual/ Project Grant, ensuring it incorporates the eligible investments in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and technologies, as well as relevant financial, environmental, fiduciary, and operational guidelines.
Lead the design and implementation of the awareness-raising campaign and the official launch of the Call for Proposals (CfP) for the establishment of Rural Alliances, ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and alignment with project objectives.
Coordinate and oversee the establishment, strengthening, and operationalization of Rural Alliances, including support to beneficiary groups in the preparation, validation, and implementation of their investment plans.
Ensure effective monitoring and follow-up of supported Rural Alliances and their investment plans, including performance tracking, compliance monitoring, and corrective action as needed.
Facilitate coordination and technical dialogue with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC), the Jordan Cooperative Corporation (JCC), the Food Security Council (FSC), the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA), municipalities, financial institutions, private sector actors, and value chain stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with FAO policies and project requirements related to gender equality, social inclusion, environmental safeguards, and financial and fiduciary standards, including integration of these dimensions into all project activities and investment plans.
Prepare and submit timely and high-quality technical progress reports, financial updates, and other required documentation to FAO and the Project Steering Committee (PSC), ensuring proper monitoring, accountability, and visibility of results.

Deliverables

• Annual and quarterly workplans implemented on time, with at least 90% of planned activities delivered within agreed timelines.
• Timely establishment of Rural Alliances\: Rural Alliances formally established and operational in accordance with project targets (e.g. number of alliances, geographic coverage, priority value chains).
• Call for Proposals successfully launched\: Call for Proposals designed, validated, and launched within the agreed timeframe, with transparent procedures and documented selection process.
• Quality of investment plans supported\: Percentage of Rural Alliance investment plans developed and validated meeting FAO technical standards (CSA integration, feasibility, environmental compliance, financial soundness).
• Mobilization of stakeholders and partnerships\: Number of coordination meetings held and partnerships activated with MoA, ACC, Cooperative Corporation, FSC, JVA, municipalities, private sector, and financiers, with documented follow-up actions.
• Project Implementation Manual completed\: Manual finalized, validated, and operationalized on time, including CSA technologies, financial guidelines, environmental safeguards, and fiduciary procedures.
• Monitoring and reporting compliance\: Monitoring system functioning and progress reports (technical and financial) submitted on time (100% compliance), with accurate results reporting and evidence-based documentation.
• Gender and social inclusion mainstreaming\: Rural Alliances and supported investment plans reflect measurable inclusion of women and youth (targets met), and gender-sensitive approaches applied in CfP and beneficiary selection.
• Environmental and fiduciary compliance\: Zero major non-compliance cases; all supported investments screened and implemented in line with FAO environmental and social safeguard requirements.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in sustainable development, economics, business, social studies, or other related areas to the assignment.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in project coordination, in food security, climate action, climate adaptation settings.
• Experience in value chain, supply chain, market systems, financial analysis and financing models.
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic is required.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Familiarity with Jordan’s work in local community context .
• Excellent writing skills, excellent interpersonal skills with liaising with different stakeholders and presenting ideas and exchanges

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION