VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT/Project Coordinator

The Government of Mongolia has received financing from the World Bank in the form of a loan to support the Livestock Commercialization Project (LCP). The overarching goal of the LCP is to enhance livestock health, boost productivity, and escalate the commercialization of selected value chains within the designated project areas. Additionally, the project is designed to deliver a swift and effective response in the face of any eligible crisis or emergency that may arise. The initiative is structured as an Investment Project Financing (IPF) mechanism, backed by an International Development Association (IDA) credit totaling US$30 million. In line with the project's objectives, there is now an open call for applications to fill the role of:

Project Coordinator

Reporting directly to the State Secretary of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI), the Project Coordinator (PC) will be entrusted with the comprehensive oversight and monitoring of the project's activities. The aim is to bolster the efficacy of the interventions carried out under the project's scope. The PC will bear both technical and administrative responsibility for steering the project towards successful implementation, ensuring strict adherence to the World Bank's (WB) policies, guidelines, and the Government of Mongolia's (GoM) rules and regulations.

Key responsibilities:

  • Ensure the quality and timely implementation of all recommendations and instructions from the Project Steering Committee.
  • Ensure all project activities comply with MOFALI's manuals and procedures, and continually improve based on project evolution.
  • Establish project management systems for compliance, recording, reporting, and delivery of project deliverables, including facilitating reviews and evaluations.
  • Ensure proper utilization of project funds and appropriate accounting.
  • Support financial management and procurement functions, including disbursement requests, bank reconciliations, and managing accounting records.
  • Facilitate procurement processes in line with guidelines and provide technical inputs.
  • Coordinate the preparation of Annual Work Plans, budgets, and procurement plans.
  • Appraise the technical and design soundness of initiatives and develop feasibility assessment criteria.
  • Coordinate the preparation of key documents, TORs, and reports.
  • Develop and maintain a detailed project schedule.
  • Lead the PIU by determining roles, managing performance, and evaluating staff.
  • Supervise activities and consultancies, guiding the work of the PIU members.
  • Maintain relations with other projects.
  • Liaise with relevant Ministries and government departments.
  • Coordinate with the World Bank, MoFALI, GAVS, and MoF for project component implementation.
  • Organize and participate in project meetings, maintaining records and documentation.
  • Liaise with the World Bank Task Team leader for approvals and facilitate requests.
  • Host and facilitate Bank supervision missions.
  • Supervise documentation of project indicators and assist in achieving project results at various levels.
  • Monitor progress, prepare financial reports, and other project-related documents.
  • Identify and address potential gaps or obstacles in project implementation.
  • Update and reprogram project activities as needed for achieving indicators.
  • Supervise the preparation of TORs to meet World Bank standards.
  • Communicate with the World Bank for day-to-day project management.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards throughout project implementation, conducting regular assessments and audits to monitor compliance.
  • Maintain an up-to-date project information dashboard accessible to relevant stakeholders for increased transparency, including project status, financial information, and impact metrics.
  • Develop and implement a document management system to ensure all project documents are properly organized, stored, and accessible for audit and review purposes.
  • Perform any additional duties as instructed by the Project Director.

Educational and Professional Experience Requirements:

  • Required: Graduate degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 4 years in a leadership role managing or coordinating donor-financed projects of similar scope and complexity.

Alternative Qualifications for Candidates with Different Academic Backgrounds:

  • Candidates with Graduate degrees in Climate Change, International Development, or Business Administration will be considered if they have at least 10 years of operational experience in agriculture, value-chain development, or rural development.
  • Additionally, these candidates must have a substantial tenure of at least 4 years in project management roles and possess extensive training in the relevant agricultural fields.

Leadership & Technical Competencies

  • Track record of effectively leading and managing large teams, and complex and technical projects of similar nature, size, and scope.
  • Demonstrated sound technical knowledge of Mongolia’s Agriculture sector.
  • Proven ability to develop and sustain highly effective relationships with development partners and other stakeholders, adopting a highly inclusive and collaborative approach, and building strong networks with a range of stakeholders as the role requires the capacity to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with policies, procedures, procurement guidelines World Bank, and other donor-funded projects would be considered an advantage.
  • Proven ability to handle stakeholders courteously, tactfully, and diplomatically.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and demonstrated excellent team management, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated excellent conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to think strategically and innovatively to support sound and logical decisions.
  • Proven ability to systematically compile and document processes, achievements, and lessons learned is essential.
  • Strong time management and organizational abilities, demonstrated by a consistent track record of managing multiple competing priorities effectively would be required.

Language Proficiency and Computer Literacy Requirements

  • The candidate must possess full bilingual fluency in Mongolian and English, with advanced capabilities in reading, writing, and speaking in both languages. Strong writing and verbal communication skills are essential.
  • Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate proficiency in computer literacy, with adeptness in PC-based applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as robust data management competencies. Excellent skills in web research and navigation are also required.

Proof of Competency:

  • All candidates must provide verifiable proof of their qualifications and experience, such as reference letters, certifications, or other relevant documents, to substantiate their candidacy.

Additional Requirements

  • Demonstrated problem-solving expertise, with a track record of effective leadership and conflict resolution skills essential for fostering a cohesive team environment and achieving organizational goals.
  • Results-driven with the capacity to independently manage a diverse and complex set of tasks, coupled with the leadership skills necessary to guide multidisciplinary teams toward success.
  • Exceptional team-building abilities, with a proven record in interpersonal relationship management and negotiation, ensuring the constructive resolution of conflicts.
  • Proven competence in actively listening and incorporating a variety of perspectives, with the ability to forge partnerships, collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, advocate and influence effectively, and navigate organizational boundaries with minimal oversight.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize tasks without losing attention to detail, thriving in a dynamic and fast-paced setting.
  • Exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, serving as a model for ethical conduct within the organization.
  • A readiness and ability to undertake travel, spending up to 50% of the time in rural communities, is crucial.

Reporting Requirements:

The Project Coordinator will report directly to the LCP Project Director and will be stationed in Ulaanbaatar. The PC is tasked with the preparation and submission of various reports as mandated by the Project Steering Committee (PSC), the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MOFALI), and the World Bank, ensuring all reports are duly authorized.

Duration of Engagement:

The initial term of engagement for the Project Coordinator is 12 months, with the possibility of annual renewal contingent upon a performance evaluation certified by MOFALI. The engagement includes a three-month probationary period and is anticipated to commence in September 2024.

Application Submission:

Candidates must submit their applications including the following documents no later than 11 AM on 18th September 2024 to Livestock Commercialization Project at #704, City Tower, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, or through email: tugullcp@gmail.com.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Contact information: Phone: 976+7700-4047

  • A cover letter in English.
  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae in English with a recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months).
  • Copies of academic diplomas and relevant certifications.
  • A copy of the national citizenship identification card.
  • Copies of Labor and Social Insurance books, including the first page and any pages showing employment history.
  • At least two reference or recommendation letters from current and/or past employers.
  • Any additional supporting documents that attest to the candidate's qualifications and abilities.