The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) seeks well qualified individuals to fill positions of Small Islands Food and Water Project Investment Specialist at the Department of Resource and Development, FSM National Government, Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941.

Overview:

The Investment Specialist (IS) will have operational responsibilities for implementing Component 2 of the Small Islands Food and Water Project (SIFWaP) at the FSM Department of Resources & Development. S/-he will be based in the National Delivery Unit (NDU) under the Division of Agriculture, with travel as required to target communities. The work of the IS will be performed in close coordination with NDU staff since the Matching Grant Program (MGP) investments is closely linked to the work under Component 1 and also involve close coordination for procurement and management of the financial arrangements and control.

The IS will report to the SIFWaP National Technical Manager (NTM) and will perform all daily management tasks, including human resources management, of the implementation of Component 2 activities, including supervision of planning, communication, and reporting.

Duties & Responsibilities:
    Specific Tasks:

• Coordinating with the State Facilitators and leading the MG orientation workshops in the islands.
• Communicating the MGP objective, eligibility criteria and processes to the general public, to partners and to intended island beneficiaries.
• Organizing and carrying out training/workshops/seminars related to Component 2 in coordination with the partner NGOs, NDU,CPCU, State focal points, State Facilitators (SFs), and other governmental agencies.
• Reporting to the NTM on all matters pertaining to the MGP and ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with the MGP Manual.
• Drafting, reviewing and revising as needed relevant documentation such as templates, guidelines and manual related to Component 2 activities, in close coordination with the other NDU staff members.
• Presenting the MGP proposals to the Matching Grants Program Committee (MGPC) for approval, including preparation of assort brief to highlight important considerations and potential issues of consideration.
• Organizing meetings of the MGPC, distribute relevant documentations before meetings and keeping proper records of meetings, including proper distribution and archiving of meeting minutes.
• Organizing the signing of Grant Agreements with the DRD legal counsel and third Department, including training on legal requirements of the Grant Agreement before actual signing ceremony.
• Organizing field verification and monitoring visits for MG investments incoordination with the State Delivery Units (SDUs), and informing the MGPC and NDU of progress and any issues arising.
• Coordinating with DOFA and the NDU FAP (Finance and Procurement Officer) for MGP procurement and disbursements and the fiscal accountability of the MGs.
• Coordinating with State Agricultural Divisions and other Divisions providing technical advice and support to the MGP communities and beneficiaries.

• Coordinating with and supporting the work with national, state and international organizations involved with the MGP, including farmers’ women’s and youth organizations.
• Ensuring that all activities are carried out in line with IFAD requirements as well as incompliance with the SIFWAP Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF), the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) and the MGP Manual.
• Addressing issues raised by beneficiaries during implementation of their MG projects and referring major issues to the NDU and MGPC.
• Preparing progress reports on implementation of the MGP for the NTM, outlining both physical and financial progress and including challenges for delivering results against agreed targets as per AWPBs.

General Responsibilities:

• Prepare the detailed activities and budgeting for activities under Component 2 and share with the NDU team in a timely manner for inclusion in the project AWPB.
• Liaise with and report to the NDU in the required format and timetable and ensure that relevant, high quality information is provided to all implementing partners, including at the state level.
• Cooperate fully with the NDU team in the conduct of annual external audits.
• Refine Component 2 procedures to ensure that they reflect community needs, are socially inclusive and consistent with other components of the Project.
• Monitor the use of funds and ensure that funds are applied in line with approved AWPBs.
• Establish effective coordination mechanisms for all activities implemented under Components 2.
• Assist the NDU to prepare the semi-annual progress reports and quarterly financial reports.
• Assist the NDU to ensure that procurement is undertaken in line with approved procurement guidelines.
• Cooperate fully with the NDU in conducting internal audits.
• Cooperate with and provide logistic support to IFAD supervision, implementation support and evaluation missions as required by the NTM.

Qualification Requirements:

• Degree in Business Administration, Economics, and related field

• At least five (5) years of working experience in rural business development, rural finance, rural development, or another relevant field.
• Proven experience in managing matching-grant initiatives, or similar community investment schemes targeting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities and households.
• Demonstrated capacity to undertake basic Financial and Economic Analysis of investments
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the capacity to engage with local communities, and organizations representing women, youth, and PWDs.
• Proven management experience (including staff, finances, report writing, verbal communication skills, planning, and organizational skills).
• Extensive experience with liaison and consultation with a wide range of organizations and community groups.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead innovation and change.
• Understanding and commitment to inclusive community development principles including pro-poor, gender/youth/PWD objectives of the Project.
• Computer literacy with strong skills in word processing spreadsheets.
• Understanding of Participatory Learning and Action techniques used for community governance, education, and development.
• Respect for and acknowledgement of, traditional knowledge and where this can be integrated into the overall direction of the Project.

Salary:

The annual salary is $27,600.00 depending upon qualifications of the applicant.

To apply:

Send application, resume, and other supporting documents to the following addresses:

Department of Resources and Development (R&D)            Office of Personnel

P.O. Box PS-12                                                                            P.O Box PS-35

Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941                                                     Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941

Email: fsmrd@rd.gov.fm                                                        Email:personnel@personnel.gov.fm

Telephone number: 320-5133                                             Telephone number: 320-2618/2642

The Office of Personnel will be accepting application/resume from April 24, 2025 until filled.

THE FSM AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER