1. Job Overview

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is hiring a National Project Manager / Coordinator to support the implementation of a major climate and forestry project in Uganda.

In simple terms, this role is about leading a national level environmental project focused on reducing deforestation, improving forest management, and supporting climate smart agriculture. You will be responsible for ensuring that project activities are properly planned, coordinated, funded, and implemented across different government institutions and partners.

On a daily basis, you will manage project teams, coordinate with ministries and stakeholders, prepare work plans and budgets, and ensure that all activities align with FAO and government standards. You will also play a key role in reporting progress to international partners and ensuring that Uganda meets its climate and environmental commitments.

This is a high responsibility role for an experienced professional who is passionate about environmental protection, forestry management, and sustainable development in Uganda.

2. Key Responsibilities

As a National Project Manager, your work will combine leadership, coordination, reporting, and technical oversight.

Project Leadership and Coordination

• Lead the daily management of the project team and oversee all project activities
• Coordinate implementation of work plans and ensure all deliverables are met on time
• Provide direction to technical staff and implementing partners

Planning and Budget Management

• Develop and update Annual Work Plans and Budgets for the project
• Prepare procurement plans, travel plans, and monitoring frameworks
• Ensure efficient use of project funds in line with FAO and donor guidelines

Stakeholder and Government Coordination

• Coordinate activities with government institutions such as the Ministry of Water and Environment
• Facilitate collaboration between interagency and interministerial stakeholders
• Organize meetings and support Project Board and Steering Committee activities

Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Ensure regular project monitoring and evaluation activities are conducted
• Prepare technical reports for FAO and Green Climate Fund (GCF)
• Ensure full compliance with FAO, donor, and Ugandan government procedures

Technical Support and Partnerships

• Liaise with FAO regional and headquarters technical experts
• Support recruitment and mobilization of technical consultants
• Strengthen partnerships with government agencies and development partners

Representation and Communication

• Represent the project in meetings, workshops, and external engagements
• Communicate project progress to stakeholders in clear and professional reports
• Translate technical environmental information into accessible language for different audiences

3. Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered for this position, you should have:

• A university degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in forestry, land management, or natural resources management
• Strong experience in REDD plus programs, forest conservation, or climate change projects
• Knowledge of emission reduction strategies, MRV systems, or sustainable land use practices
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Must be a Ugandan national

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and project coordination skills
• Ability to manage multi stakeholder projects involving government and international partners
• Experience writing technical reports, policies, and project documentation
• Strong analytical and planning abilities
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Good communication and presentation skills

4. Salary Range (Expected Range)

For a senior national project management role in an international UN agency:

Expected Salary Range: UGX 8,000,000 – UGX 10,000,000 per month

Salary depends on:

• Years of experience in forestry or climate projects
• Level of expertise in REDD plus and environmental governance
• Donor funded project grading and FAO internal scales

Additional benefits may include allowances and international exposure opportunities.

5. About the Company (Insight Section)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads global efforts to eliminate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

In Uganda, FAO works closely with government institutions, development partners, and local communities to implement projects focused on food security, climate change adaptation, forestry conservation, and sustainable land management.

The working environment is highly professional, structured, and internationally oriented. FAO emphasizes accountability, technical excellence, and collaboration across multiple sectors. Employees are expected to operate in a results driven environment that meets global standards of development impact.

6. Location Breakdown – Kampala, Uganda

This role is based in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda and the main hub for government ministries, international organizations, and development agencies.

Kampala offers:

• Access to major government and environmental institutions
• Strong presence of UN agencies and international NGOs
• Networking opportunities in climate change and development sectors

The cost of living in Kampala varies, but professionals in UN projects often receive competitive compensation and allowances that support comfortable living standards.

7. How to Apply (Smart Tips)

To improve your chances of selection:

• Highlight experience in forestry, climate change, or natural resource management projects
• Use strong keywords such as REDD plus, forest monitoring, climate finance, sustainable land use, MRV systems
• Clearly show experience working with government and international organizations
• Emphasize your ability to write technical reports and policy documents
• Keep your CV structured, detailed, and results focused

Applicants with proven experience in donor funded projects have a strong advantage.

8. Pro Tips to Stand Out

• Demonstrate hands on experience with REDD plus or climate finance projects in Africa
• Highlight work involving forest monitoring systems and environmental data reporting
• Show experience coordinating multi stakeholder government and NGO projects
• Emphasize strong technical writing and policy development skills