The Ministry of Forestry Range and Soil Conservation is implementing the “Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods Project” (ROLL) funded by the Government of Lesotho (GoL) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The objective of the project is to is to ensure that rural communities adopt transformational practices for regenerated landscapes and sustainable livelihoods leading to improved nutrition and adaptation to climate change. This objective is underpinned by four outcomes; 1) Change in resource use practices; 2) Reduction of environmental degradation; 3) Improved livelihoods; and 4) the establishment of a facility and a fund.
The project comprises of two components: Regeneration coalition facility and Regeneration Opportunities Fund. The ROLL hereby invites applications from eligible candidates for the following positions:
Overall Scope of Work
Under the direct supervision of the PSC Chairperson/Principal Secretary, the Project Coordinator will have overall responsibility to oversee project planning and delivery; manage a team of professionals recruited within the PMU, coordinate their responsibilities and workplans; and manage relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
Main tasks and Responsibilities
Overseeing project planning and delivery
• Facilitate finalization of the Project Implementation Manual and the required updates for approval by the PSC;
• Oversee preparation of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) for approval by the PSC;
• Develop systems and strategies for enhanced 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;
• Design strategies to enhance robust project monitoring and reporting;
• Develop project progress reports with consistency and clarity for timeliness of the deliveries;
• Chair the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) which inputs into AWPB preparation and informs the PSC meetings;
Coordinating the PMU
• Direct capacity building for the PMU Team to deliver on the project objectives;
• Coordinate relation of project staff across components and between national and district and landscape level positions;
• Ensure sound integration of PMU staff with with functions of the line ministry and other technical staff from partner ministries at national and district level;
Managing relationships
• Participate in and act as Secretariat to project steering committee (PSC) meetings;
• Represent the project in external stakeholder meetings;
• Facilitate project stakeholder and partnership engagements for risk prevention and mitigation as well as maximized project performance;
• Monitor the project grievance redress and beneficiary feedback mechanisms in line with the PIM procedures;
• Coordinate project partnerships with relevant partners, including partner ministries, other development projects and development agencies; and
• Coordinate support to IFAD supervision missions, mid-term review and end term evaluation;
Specific tasks at project start-up
• Ensure a competent PMU team is recruited with skills and experience that match requirements, ensure clear responsibilities and tasks are determined for each team member, monitor performance and build capacity of the team to deliver on the objectives of the project.
• Ensure finalization of the Project Implementation Manual and ensure periodic updating as and when needed, by the ROLL PMU and to be submitted for approval by the PSC.
• Ensure sound procurement of key equipment and technical assistance packages is done in a timely and professional manner through the procurement team;
• Sensitize key stakeholders within the line ministries, communities and broader partnership area about the project’s objectives, activities and timeline;
• Foster a collaborative, collegial and efficient mode of working for the PMU team and proactively address any bottlenecks or coordination problems.
• Ensure that all PMU activities are in line with the guidance in the PIM and with relevant policies and procedures of the government and IFAD, signal any potential issues and engage relevant stakeholders in order to resolve these.
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 situations;
• Diversity management skills;
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
• Results-oriented;
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Educational Requirements
• Master’s Degree in either Project Management, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Management, Agricultural sciences, Economics, Business Administration, or any related subject area.
Experience
• At least 12 years of professional experience in projects in the agriculture and/or sustainable land management space; including at least 5 years’ experience in managing teams;
• Experience with managing donor-funded projects is desirable;
• Experience in donor-funded projects that handle procurement and financial management is an added value.
Language Requirements
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Sesotho;
Duration of the Assignment
The duration of the assignment will be 3 years, renewable depending on satisfactory performance
For a detailed set of ToRs please visit the Ministry of Forestry Range and soil Conservation website (http://www.forestry.gov.ls/The%20Miistery_page). All Interested candidates must hand deliver applications, CVs including certified Certificates to Ministry of Forestry Range and Soil Conservation Offices addressed to Director Human Resources, MFRSC, P.O Box 92, Industrial Area, Maseru. The deadline for submission of applications is Monday, 7th February 2022 at 16:30 noon. Please visit Human Resources Office for further enquiries.