FAO Jobs 2026: Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use) in Malawi
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for the position of Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use) in Lilongwe, Malawi. This opportunity is suitable for experienced professionals in forestry, natural resource management, ecosystem restoration, and agricultural development who have a strong background in managing donor-funded projects.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and coordinate projects focused on sustainable land management, forest landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The appointment is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully, particularly the experience and residency conditions, before submitting their applications.
FAO Jobs 2026: Vacancy Overview
- Organisation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Job Title: Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use)
- Job Reference: 2602235
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Job Category: Non-staff opportunities
- Contract Type: National Project Personnel (NPP)
- Contract Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension
- Advertisement Date: 28 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 November 2026
About the Position
FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations working to improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. Through its country programmes, the organisation provides technical assistance, strengthens institutional capacity, and supports initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
In Malawi, FAO is implementing projects addressing natural resources, climate change, and landscape restoration.
The Senior National Project Coordinator will support two important initiatives. The first is the Malawi component of the regional AFR100 project, which seeks to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen the resilience of forest and farm producers through sustainable land management, community empowerment, and climate-smart interventions.
The second initiative falls under the Global Environment Facility’s GEF7 Drylands Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme. It aims to accelerate the restoration of Malawi’s Miombo and Mopane woodlands while promoting sustainable forest and biodiversity management.
The successful candidate will coordinate these projects and may also be assigned responsibility for other initiatives under FAO Malawi’s natural resources and climate change programme.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior National Project Coordinator will provide strategic direction, technical oversight, and operational coordination throughout the project cycle.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
- Preparing and overseeing project workplans, budgets, travel plans, human resource plans, and procurement plans.
- Coordinating project activities to ensure timely implementation and achievement of expected results.
- Building partnerships with government institutions, development partners, implementing organisations, and service providers.
- Organising partner meetings, technical meetings, steering committee meetings, and field missions.
- Advising FAO management on project progress, implementation challenges, risks, and opportunities.
- Overseeing agreements with implementing partners and monitoring their performance.
- Coordinating progress reports, mid-term reviews, final evaluations, and project closure reports.
- Providing technical guidance and operational support to field offices and project districts.
- Identifying opportunities for resource mobilisation and developing new project proposals.
- Promoting knowledge sharing and documenting lessons learned, best practices, and project achievements.
- Supervising personnel working under the projects.
The coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative responsible for the programme.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must hold an advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities and UNESCO. Relevant fields include agriculture, forestry, natural resources management, or closely related disciplines.
Candidates must also have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as agricultural development, natural resource management, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, and forestry.
Experience implementing donor-funded projects is essential, particularly projects supported by vertical funding mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Applicants must have working knowledge of English at Level C.
An additional eligibility requirement is that candidates must be nationals of Malawi or residents of the country with a valid work permit. This is a national project personnel position rather than an international recruitment opportunity open without residency restrictions.
Skills and Competencies
FAO is seeking candidates with strong leadership, programme coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate experience working with government institutions, development partners, national organisations, and community-based organisations.
Other relevant technical and functional skills include project management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, financial and operational management, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and facilitation.
Candidates should also demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, effective communication, relationship building, and knowledge sharing.
Experience with FAO project implementation will be an added advantage.
How to Apply for FAO Jobs in Malawi
Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment platform.
Applicants should create or update their online profiles and ensure that their employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills are accurately recorded. A motivation letter must be attached to the online profile.
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
FAO does not charge applicants any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
Application deadline: 12 November 2026.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Senior National Project Coordinator (Forest and Land Use) position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to landscape restoration, sustainable forestry, and natural resource management in Malawi.
Candidates with substantial experience managing donor-funded environmental and agricultural development projects, alongside the required academic qualifications and local eligibility, should review the vacancy details and submit their applications before the closing date.
