National Food Security Sector Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a multicultural working environment.

Job Overview:
The National security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security Sector Coordinator will lead and oversee the operational and strategic coordination of partners to ensure a timely, coherent, and effective food security response in Syria. This role requires strong leadership and diplomacy skills, as the coordinator will work in a complex and dynamic environment. The position involves collaboration with UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and donors to address food insecurity and support resilience-building efforts. The coordinator will be responsible for implementing the six IASC core functions of the sector, driving service delivery, informing strategic decision-making, coordinating sector strategies, monitoring and evaluating performance, and building national capacity in preparedness and contingency planning. The role also includes advocacy and resource mobilization to secure commitments from sector partnerships and ensure effective coordination mechanisms are in place.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sector Coordinator will provide overall leadership for the implementation of the six IASC core functions of the sector throughout Syria. Key responsibilities include facilitating a timely and effective food security response by mobilizing stakeholders, maintaining a humanitarian coordination mechanism, promoting common standards among sector partners, leading contributions to the Humanitarian Needs Overview and Humanitarian Response Plan processes, tracking evolving dynamics affecting food security, coordinating food security assessments, monitoring performance through the Cluster Performance Monitoring Tool, ensuring adequate reporting and information sharing, building national capacity in preparedness and contingency planning, and advocating for the sector's needs with donors and external interlocutors. The coordinator will also oversee the development of an advocacy plan and ensure that the Principles of Partnership are respected in managing coordination mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Affairs, Economics, Humanitarian Assistance, Food Security, Agriculture, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant professional work experience is acceptable. The role requires at least three years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian programming and coordination, particularly in food security or sector/cluster-like coordination roles. Proven experience in coordinating complex responses in emergencies is essential, along with knowledge and expertise in food security modalities, excellent analytical and writing skills, teamwork and management skills, communication and interpersonal skills, and negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Affairs, Economics, Humanitarian Assistance, Food Security, Agriculture, or Social Sciences is required. A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable if accompanied by two additional years of relevant professional experience, demonstrating a strong foundation in the necessary academic disciplines related to humanitarian assistance and food security.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian programming and coordination, particularly in food security or sector/cluster-like coordination roles. Candidates with a Master’s degree should have at least three years of experience, while those with a Bachelor’s degree should have five years of relevant experience. Proven experience in coordinating complex responses in emergencies is crucial, as is a deep understanding of the humanitarian-development nexus and the ability to navigate a dynamic and challenging operational environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic, both oral and written, is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for collaboration with diverse stakeholders and for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, with frequent travel to the field to support subnational coordination teams as required. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in a complex humanitarian context. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, as the organization is committed to diversity and inclusion. The deadline for applications is 8 October 2025, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before submission.