National Technical Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO collaborates with various partners, including UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, to implement programs that strengthen nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and governance systems, particularly in vulnerable populations such as women, youth, and children.

Job Overview:
The National coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Coordinator will play a pivotal role in leading and managing FAO's component of the Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN) in Sierra Leone. This position requires a strong focus on effective planning, implementation, coordination, and delivery of all FAO-led project components. The incumbent will ensure that the project meets its objectives, adheres to timelines, and complies with both FAO and donor requirements. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, UN partner agencies, and implementing partners, to ensure a multi-sectoral approach to food and nutrition security. The National Technical Coordinator will also be responsible for providing technical leadership in agriculture, livelihoods, and resilience interventions, ensuring that all outputs are of high quality and aligned with the program's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Technical Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including leading the implementation of FAO project components, developing and overseeing operational workplans, ensuring compliance with standards and objectives, and providing technical leadership across various interventions. Specific duties include guiding the design and implementation of climate-resilient agriculture practices, coordinating activities with UN partner agencies, maintaining collaboration with government institutions and NGOs, facilitating joint planning and reporting processes, supervising procurement processes, ensuring efficient resource use, preparing reports for donors, managing risks, and leading training programs for beneficiaries. The coordinator will also be responsible for fostering a collaborative team environment, ensuring accountability, and performing any other duties as required by the FAO Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural or rural development project management is required. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English at Level C and must be nationals of Sierra Leone. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, or Development Studies. It is crucial that candidates have their qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural or rural development project management. This experience should include strong project/programme management skills, particularly using the Results-Based Management (RBM) approach, and proven experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives involving UN agencies, government entities, and NGOs. Experience in climate-resilient agriculture and food systems, as well as budget management and donor reporting, is also essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the program.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and candidates should be aware that FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The FAO employment website provides additional employment opportunities and resources for candidates.