Project Coordinator​/Acting Head field Office

Project Coordinator / Acting Head of FAO Field Office (2600940) – Sukhumi, Georgia. Duration: 11 months with a 3‑month probation. Type:
Consultant – Non‑staff.

• Ensure day‑to‑day management of the FAO Project Office.
• Provide guidance to local staff for the correct implementation of the FAO Programme in Abkhazia.
• Manage FAO assets (cars, equipment) and premises.
• Act as the local Head of Agency for all UN coordination in Abkhazia.
• Act as the Security focal point for FAO in Abkhazia.
• Lead communication with stakeholders based in Sukhumi.
• Support the creation of 20 demonstration plots (10 dairy, 10 integrated farming) and oversee their implementation.
• Guide local teams in extension activities, GAPs, IPM, and demonstration farms.
• Establish and maintain project coordination mechanisms, ensuring alignment of technical, operational, and administrative components.
• Oversee monitoring of project progress, tracking indicators, milestones, and deliverables per Logical Framework Matrix.
• Organise and supervise technical teams, coordinate weekly work plans.
• Organise and participate in extension and capacity development activities, including training planning.
• Prepare project reports; consolidate inputs and finalise for donor submission.
• Maintain updated work and procurement plans; advise on procurement specifications.
• Monitor budgets; arrange resources such as study tours, missions, external consultancies.
• Oversee the viticulture project for preservation of local grape genetic resources.
• Contribute to knowledge on endemic grapevine management and conduct industry studies.
• Follow up on monitoring and control plans for pollen pests and diseases.
• Create concept notes for project activities benefit ting the local sector.
• Develop, update workplans, budgets, and frameworks for all Abkhazia component projects.
• Other duties as required.

• Advanced university degree recognised by IAU/UNESCO in agriculture, agronomy, food technology, or a related discipline (bachelor’s degree requires two additional years of relevant experience).
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture, with proven project management and monitoring skills.
• Working knowledge of English and Russian.

• Understanding of the agricultural sector.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly.
• Community mobilisation and interpersonal relations skills.
• Experience in implementing agricultural projects in the region (asset).
• Project management at field level.
• Computer literacy (spreadsheets, databases, electronic programmes).
• Strong written and verbal communication.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in gender, nationality, background, and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, nationals of under‑represented members, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• All candidates subject to strict confidentiality and reference/background checks.
• FAO has a zero‑tolerance policy for misconduct, including sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.