About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) representation in Malawi is recruiting a Senior National Project Coordinator (Irrigation) under a 1-year National Project Personnel (NPP) contract with possibility of extension. Working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme), the coordinator will provide overall technical leadership and coordination for projects under FAO’s irrigation portfolio in Malawi. Key responsibilities include leading workplan development, managing detailed budgets, guiding irrigation and climate-smart agriculture interventions, overseeing procurement and operational planning, and facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships with government bodies and UN agencies.
Salary and benefits
- Full-time UN non-staff employment contract (National Project Personnel) for 1 year with potential extension
- Opportunity to lead key national irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture initiatives in Malawi
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of Malawi
- Advanced university degree from an IAU/UNESCO-recognized institution in Irrigation Engineering or Agricultural Engineering, with Natural Resources Management as a minor
- At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural development, irrigation engineering, or watershed management
- Working knowledge (level C) of English
Required documents
- Completed online FAO applicant profile (including academic qualifications, employment records, and language skills)
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Applications close on November 4, 2026, at 10:59:00 PM local time
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website (Jobs at FAO) and complete an online candidate profile.
- Ensure all employment records, academic degrees, and language proficiencies are accurately detailed.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Submit your application through the portal before the closing date.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any application or processing fees at any stage of recruitment.
- Higher education qualifications must be accredited and listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Selected candidates will undergo reference, background, medical, and security checks.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You are a Malawian national with advanced qualification in irrigation or agricultural engineering and at least 7 years of hands-on experience in watershed management.
- You have demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder agricultural projects in coordination with UN agencies, government ministries, or international development partners.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strictly restricted to Malawian nationals; non-nationals are ineligible regardless of qualifications.
- Academic degrees must be officially recognized in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) to be considered.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an excellent leadership opportunity for an experienced Malawian agricultural engineer looking to manage high-impact national irrigation projects, build strategic relationships with international development partners, and contribute directly to food security in Malawi.
Our take
Strongly recommended for senior Malawian irrigation engineers and project management experts who want to drive large-scale climate-smart agricultural interventions within a UN agency. Unqualified candidates or non-Malawian nationals should not apply.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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