Overview
The Project Coordinator will provide overall technical, operational and managerial support for the implementation of a national project focusing on modernization of plant breeding systems, strengthening of national seed quality and certification systems, capacity development, institutional coordination, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based investment planning in the agri-food sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and day-to-day coordination of the National Initiative “Kazakhstan Varieties and Seeds.”
- Prepare and update annual and semi-annual workplans; monitor implementation and coordinate adjustments.
- Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among the project team, national partners, and FAO units.
- Organize Project Steering Committee and PTF meetings, prepare documentation and minutes, and ensure follow-up.
- Plan and coordinate staff duty travel and field missions.
- Support provision of institutional, policy, and legal implementation advice.
- Coordinate/support the preparation of draft terms of reference and recruitment of consultants.
- Oversee procurement processes for goods, equipment and services.
- Coordinate and ensure timely planning of training activities, workshops, capacity-building events and study tours.
- Ensure operational planning and logistics facilitate participation of women and integrate gender considerations.
- Maintain systematic project documentation and audit-ready records; supervise financial monitoring, reporting, and record-keeping.
- Prepare financial forecasts and support budget revisions.
- Lead the preparation of the Inception Report, semi-annual progress reports, and the Terminal Report.
- Capture lessons learned throughout implementation.
- Coordinate implementation with national institutions involved in varietal development, testing, certification and seed production.
- Perform other coordinating and operational tasks required for effective project implementation.
Required Experience
- At least 7 years’ experience in agricultural livelihood project management with special emphasis on seeds breeding and production, agricultural innovation or institutional strengthening.
- Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder, donor-funded projects.
- Experience working with government institutions, research organizations and international technical partners.
Qualifications
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant breeding, development studies, project management or any other related field.
