Organizational Setting

This position with the Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme is in the National Forestry Agency, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVC) implemented by FAO’s Forestry Division (NFO) supports the implementation of Forest Partnerships between the European Union and Partner Countries. Forest Partnerships are a new and key instrument of the European Union’s Action to promote sustainable forest management and value chains. They are based on a holistic and integrated approach to forests, reflecting a high-level commitment to enhancing the role of forests in sustainable and inclusive national development whilst improving sector law enforcement, governance and trade. Forest Partnerships promote innovative investment and finance models to create efficient, pragmatic and impactful links between government, industry and forest communities. The FGVC support to Forest Partnerships revolves around two pillars:
●    improving governance for sustainable forest management, forest protection and restoration, and plantation development;
●    developing legal and sustainable forest-based value chains.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator reports to the Assistant FAO Representative in Mongolia, with supporting guidance provided by the Programme Manager of the Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVC) and the International Forest Governance Consultant for Asia and the Pacific.

Technical Focus

Programme coordination and technical and operational assistance based on the incumbent’s knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of Mongolia.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Participate in the identification, formulation and closure of baby projects under the FGVC (implemented by Letters of Agreement – LoA, tenders for commercial services, and/or consultancies);
•    Provide routine technical backstopping to activities of baby projects; monitor and review the status of baby project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the defined work plan and key performance indicators; identify inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, propose corrective measures to overcome operational constraints;
•    Assist with technical review of reports and deliverables submitted by FGVC Service Providers, as well as relevant assessments conducted by FGVC partners;
•    Provide on-demand technical support to the National Forest Agency, and other local or national government bodies as appropriate, in topical areas relevant to the FGVC such as forestry and/or green finance;
•    Together with government counterparts, support the organization of quarterly meetings of the Technical Working Group and Political Working Group responsible for implementing the EU-Mongolia Forest Partnership. Collect and compile relevant presentations and materials, assist with meeting facilitation, support drafting and circulation of agenda and minutes as agreed with government counterparts;
•    Coordinate the overall hiring plan for hiring of national and international affiliate workforce, in support of FGVC activities, as agreed with the TWG, government partners and the Programme Manager; Contribute to FGVC progress and annual reporting, as requested by the Programme Manager;
•    Prepare report (quarterly) to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and provide inputs to the country office annual report;
•    Prepare Procurement and Travel plan together with admin person and baby project lead in accordance with CO regulations;
•    Undertake duty travel within Mongolia as necessary to monitor and support the implementation of FGVC field activities and relevant FP actions;
•    Manage in-country budget issued via Field-based Authorizations, in accordance with FAO financial management procedures;
•    Coordinate routinely between the FGVC and other relevant forestry projects being implemented at the country level, such as the FAO-GIZ led STREAM project and other projects identified by the NFA;
•    Perform other duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Advanced University degree in forestry, finance, law, natural resources management, or other fields related to the work of the Organization
•    Five years of relevant experience in forestry and/or environmental project implementation in an area of FAO’s activities in the country
•    Working knowledge of English and Mongolian languages
•    National of Mongolia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Experience with project management and development;
•    Experience in working with international partners/organizations, government agencies, and the private sector;
•    Experience in providing technical advice and support on business management and planning;
•    Experience working in the finance sector and channeling finance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises;
•    Demonstrated understanding of operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION