Project Management Unit Coordinator (PMU)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that all 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 and has started working in Vietnam since 1978 with its Representation (Country Office) opened in Hanoi.

FAO VN is launching the 4-year project ‘Smart Agro-ecological Transformation of Farming Systems towards Resilience and Sustainability in Middle and Coastal Zones of the Viet Nam Mekong Delta’ (STAR-FARM) project, with support from the EU. The project aims to create an enabling environment for the establishment of sustainable value chains in the Mekong Delta, based on agroecological approaches. FAO will take the management and coordination role in the consortium implementing the project. Besides FAO, the project consortium will involve research institutions (VAAS, IPSARD, CIRAD and IRD), under the leadership of the Government (MARD).

The project is looking for a qualified Project Management Unit (PMU) Coordinator to be based in MARD in Hanoi to support the daily administrative and management work Project Management Unit.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Viet Nam (FAOR), direct suppervion of Lead Technical Officer and Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and day-to-day supervision by the PMU and National Project Coordinator – STAR-FARM Project.

Technical Focus

The Project Management Unit (PMU) Coordinator will assist the PMU Director and PMU members in daily administrative and management work regarding STAR-FARM project to ensure PMU operations comply with Viet Nam’s ODA regulations and laws. The PMU Coordinator will be responsible for regular updates on project progress, synthesizing reports, monitoring project’s activities and progress, coordinating relationship with project donnor, FAO and other consortium member and reporting properly to PMU,

Tasks and responsibilities

• In collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, assist the PMU in annual work planning to ensure the timely issuance of the work plan, make sure the workplan are in line with Government of Vietnam (GVN)’s requirements;
• Support the annual budget development and budget monitoring for the fund contribution from state budget;
• Assist the PMU in monitoring and reporting tasks, ensuring the delivery of project’s activities comply with the Project Document, and annual workplan;
• Assist PMU in preparing progress, bi-annual and annually reports using the templated aligned with requirements of GVN;
• Facilitate the organization of meetings and discussions between PMU with FAO and other consortium members and partners, including taking notes and follow-ups on the required actions.
• Participate in events/field trips under specific activities and provide logistics support per requested by the PMU and NPC.
• Support collecting and sharing information, documents and deliverables of activities taking place within the project framework in accordance with Viet Nam ODA regulations and laws.
• Acting as the liaison focal point between PMU, Project teams, Consortium members and other stakeholders
• Manage, store, and hand over project files, documents, and products (paper and electronic version) according to regulations of GVN and requirements of PMU.
• Assist line Agency (MARD) and PMU in monitoring and evaluating project, accounting settlement auditing and asset handing over at the end of the project.
• Undertake any other duties as required to ensure the successful delivery of the project outputs.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agricultural studies, Economics, Business Administration, or related field;
• At least 5 years in public and/or international organizations related to programming, planning and technical cooperation in development.
• Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese
• National of Viet Nam.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Working experience in agriculture and rural development fields in Viet Nam.
• Experience working on international donor-funded projects is preferred
• Familiar with the GVN’s policies, rules and guidance on ODA managements
• Extensive experience in the management of complex projects at national/regional levels.
• Good multi-cultural and interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners in Viet Nam at all levels (Ministries, donors, private sector, NGOs and local community-based organizations).
• Experience working with international and donor organizations on implementation of participatory projects.
• Proven written, analytical, computing, presentation and reporting skills.
• Experience in developing strategic documents, including work-plans and action plans.
• Strong writing skills, including experience preparing project reports, sectoral briefs, and presentations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION