SENIOR NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR (IRRIGATION)

OVERVIEW

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security. FAO works with governments and development partners worldwide to improve nutrition, agricultural productivity, natural resource management, and sustainable agrifood systems.

FAO’s Country Office in Malawi works with the Government of Malawi and development partners to provide technical assistance, strengthen institutional capacity, support agricultural development, and promote sustainable food systems.

FAO invites applications from qualified Malawian professionals for the position of Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation) to provide technical leadership and coordinate projects within the irrigation portfolio.

JOB TYPE: Non-Staff Opportunity – National Project Personnel (NPP)

Date Posted: Wednesday, 21st October 2026

Application Deadline: Thursday, 5th November 2026, at 12:59 AM

Duration: One (1) year, with the possibility of extension

Organisational Unit: FRMLW – FAO Representation in Malawi

Reports to: FAO Representative in Malawi, under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative responsible for Programme.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation) will provide overall technical leadership and project coordination for irrigation-related projects managed by FAO Malawi.

The successful candidate will coordinate project planning, budgeting, implementation, procurement, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. The role will also provide technical guidance on irrigation development, climate-resilient agriculture, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable natural resource management.

The coordinator will work closely with government institutions, United Nations agencies, development partners, private-sector actors, community organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery and sustainable development outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Planning and Coordination

• Lead the preparation of project-specific work plans and detailed budgets in line with signed project agreements.
• Coordinate the implementation of approved project activities and work plans.
• Prepare, review, and update annual, quarterly, and monthly work plans, budget plans, travel plans, procurement plans, and implementation schedules.
• Coordinate operational planning, budgeting, procurement, and implementation processes to ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
• Lead project management and coordination structures, including technical committees, coordination platforms, and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Manage Letters of Agreement (LoAs), service contracts, partnership arrangements, and related administrative processes.

2. Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance on irrigation development, climate-smart agriculture, climate resilience, and agricultural development.
• Support ecosystem restoration, watershed management, and sustainable natural resource management interventions.
• Promote integrated approaches that improve agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and natural resource management.
• Ensure project activities are implemented in line with approved technical standards and development priorities.

3. Financial Management and Procurement

• Lead the preparation and implementation of procurement plans.
• Follow up procurement activities for goods, services, and works in accordance with approved procedures and in consultation with the Budget Holder.
• Coordinate project budgets and resources to support effective implementation.
• Ensure compliance with project agreements, donor commitments, safeguard requirements, and FAO operational procedures.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning

• Lead project monitoring, evaluation, supervision, reporting, learning, and knowledge-management activities.
• Coordinate audits, reviews, surveys, assessments, field missions, and follow-up on recommendations.
• Prepare and submit timely technical reports, donor reports, progress updates, and supervision mission reports.
• Document and share lessons learned, good practices, and project achievements.
• Support communication, visibility, and knowledge-sharing activities in collaboration with the communications team.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Strengthen collaboration among FAO, government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, private-sector actors, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Represent projects in relevant technical and coordination meetings.
• Provide technical inputs during workshops, meetings, and forums.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and promote best practices.
• Ensure meaningful participation of women, young people, and vulnerable groups in project coordination and implementation processes.

6. Resource Mobilisation and Other Duties

• Lead the preparation of project concept notes, proposals, and project documents to support resource mobilisation.
• Contribute to strengthening the visibility and influence of FAO’s technical work.
• Perform other duties as required.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Academic Qualifications

• An advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Irrigation Engineering or Agricultural Engineering, with Natural Resources Management as a minor.

Professional Experience

• The supplied advert states “at least five seven (7) years” of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, irrigation engineering, and watershed management. Applicants should consult the official advert to confirm the intended minimum experience requirement.
• Demonstrated experience in programme coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners, and community-based organisations.

Language Requirement

• Working knowledge of English at proficiency level C.

Nationality Requirement

• Applicants must be nationals of Malawi.

TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in:

• 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.

FAO CORE COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

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

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and suitably qualified Malawian candidates should submit their applications through the official FAO recruitment portal.

Application Link: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2602176

Closing Date: Thursday, 5th November 2026, at 12:59 AM.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• FAO considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, applicable residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• FAO promotes gender, geographical, and linguistic diversity.

For additional employment opportunities, visit the official FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/