Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project
Advertisement for Project Management Unit Positions
The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN) will be implementing a Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WAMCOP), which is a 7 years project that will be covering the 10 districts of Lesotho. The project loan, is financed by the Government of Lesotho, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development, Global Environment Facility (GEF) and beneficiary’s contributions. The project’s overall goal is to increase the economic and climate resilience of wool and mohair value chain stakeholders, with emphasis on wool and mohair farmer’s livelihoods, including women and youth. The MAFSN is establishing a project management unit and would like to make a call to the relevant professionals for the following project positions;
Position: Project Co-ordinator
Report to: Principal Secretary (MAFSN) through a Technical Director
Duty Station: Maseru, Lesotho with intensive travelling to 10 Districts
Job Summary:
Within the broader scope of project management, the Project Coordinator (PC) will provide strategic leadership, guidance and support on matters related to project report, finances and budgetary issues. He will play a coordinating role with the different implementing stakeholders and ensure coherence among implementing plans. Coordinate the project activities and ensure that all requirements (AWPBs, budgetary allocations, disbursement of funds, progress reports, audit reports, withdrawal applications etc) are prepared and submitted on time.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Overseeing project planning and delivery
- Facilitate finalization of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) and the required updates for approval by the PSC and IFAD’s No Objection,
- Oversee preparation of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), Procurement Plans (PP), project reviews and the day-to-day monitoring of the project implementation for approval by the PSC,
- Develop systems and strategies for optimal project performance,
- Promote adherence to PIM guidance, relevant Government and IFAD policies and procedures to achieve efficient and effective project coordination,
- Identify implementation challenges and develop alternative solutions thereof, proactively manage project risks.
- Ensure timely project data capture and reporting, providing sound administration of project staff and project finances.
- Develop timely project progress reports with consistency and clarity of the deliverables,
- Coordinate and ensure timely execution of activities assigned to partners and providers.
- Provide capacity building and support to the PCU staff to deliver on the project objectives
Managing the Budget
- Coordinate execution of funds as per the project requirements and as per the project requirements and rules;
- Ensure effective utilization of project funds and resources in general.
- Continuously review budget to realign in response to the changes in the project plans and coordinate with partners to facilitate the implementation of the activities within the project.
- Deploy all project staff as appropriate and supervise PCU staff to ensure that they meet their mandated responsibilities, creating a positive work environment that motivates staff to perform at their best.
- Foster a sense of unity and collaboration among team members and provide regular and constructive feedback that helps team members understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Managing Relationships
- Actively act as Secretariat to PSC meeting and provide briefings of project performance/challenges and seek guidance for solutions,
- Work closely with and support the Trust Fund-Trust Company Consortium to achieve its project related objectives,
- Represent the project in external stakeholder meetings,
- Facilitate project stakeholder and partnership engagements for risk prevention and mitigation as well as maximized project performance,
- Coordinate project partnerships with relevant partners, including other development projects and development agencies,
- Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with all project stakeholders (including beneficiaries), local networks and contacts and partner organizations, engaging them on a regular basis to integrate their feedback into the implementation and progress of the Project.
- Coordinate support to IFAD supervision missions, mid-term review and end term evaluation.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in either Project Management, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Management, Agricultural sciences, Animal Production, Animal Health, Economics or Business Administration.
- Doctoral Degree in any of the listed degrees will be an added advantage.
Required Experience
- At least 10 years of professional experience managing initiatives related to agriculture and/or animal production/health initiatives, rural development, and poverty alleviation.
- Experience with managing donor-funded projects is an added advantage.
- 5 years’ experience in project management, project financial administration and budgeting, including leadership of multi-disciplinary team of experts (experience in managing projects financed through international development partners will be an added advantage)
- Wool and Mohair industry knowledge will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies
- Leadership and ability to motivate team members
- Planning and organizing skills
- Effective communication, negotiation skills and interpersonal skills
- Ability to navigate complex governance and stakeholder management situation
- Diversity management skills;
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty
- Results-oriented
SUBMISSION
Interested candidates’ applications should be accompanied by detailed CVs, certified copies of national identity document, educational certificates and transcripts and be delivered to the address below not later than 03rd May, 2024 at 13:30 pm
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness project
P.O Box 24
Maseru 100
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified