SeniorFull TimeEN
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FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
FAO Sierra Leone, in partnership with UNICEF, WFP and WHO, is implementing a Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN) aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and governance systems in Sierra Leone.
The programme adopts a multi-sectoral approach, targeting vulnerable populations (particularly women, youth, and children) and contributes to national priorities including the Feed Salone Strategy and UNSDCF outcomes.
The programme focuses on three strategic outcomes:
1. Strengthened climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods
2. Improved access to nutrition-sensitive and essential services
3. Enhanced governance and coordination in food and nutrition systems
FAO leads on agriculture, livelihoods, and resilience-building interventions, including value chain development, farmer support systems, and climate-smart practices.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Sierra Leone, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme), the National Technical Coordinator will provide overall leadership and management of FAO’s component of the Joint Programme.
The incumbent will work closely with:
• FAO Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW)
• Government counterparts (MAFS and decentralized authorities)
• UN partner agencies (UNICEF, WFP, WHO)
• Implementing partners and private sector actors.
Technical Focus
The National Technical Coordinator will ensure effective planning, implementation, coordination, and delivery of all FAO-led project components, ensuring:
• Timely achievement of outputs and outcomes
• Compliance with FAO and donor (Irish Aid) requirements
• Strong multi-sectoral integration across UN agencies
• High-quality technical and operational performance.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Lead the overall implementation of FAO project components, ensuring delivery against approved workplans, budgets, and timelines;
• Develop and oversee annual, quarterly, and detailed operational workplans;
• Ensure alignment with FAO standards, donor requirements, and Joint Programme objectives;
• Provide technical leadership across all agriculture, livelihoods, and resilience interventions;
• Guide design and implementation of climate-resilient agriculture practices, livelihood support activities and nutrition-sensitive interventions
• Ensure technical quality and consistency of all outputs;
• Coordinate FAO activities with UN partner agencies (UNICEF, WFP, WHO) to ensure integrated, multi-sectoral delivery;
• Maintain strong collaboration with: Government institutions (national and district levels); NGOs and implementing partners; Private sector actors;
• Facilitate joint planning, monitoring, and reporting processes
• Ensure efficient use of resources in line with FAO financial rules
Supervise and validate procurement processes, ensuring: Technical specifications meet project requirements; Compliance with FAO procurement procedures; Timely delivery of goods and services
• Oversee use of FAO corporate systems (GRMS, FPMIS)
• Ensure robust monitoring systems for tracking outputs, outcomes, and indicators
• Lead preparation and submission of: Quarterly and annual reports; Donor reports (Irish Aid via UNICEF); Technical and progress reports;
• Ensure high-quality, timely and evidence-based reporting;
• Identify and manage technical, operational, and fiduciary risks;
• Propose mitigation measures in coordination with FAOR and SFW;
• Ensure compliance with FAO rules, donor requirements, and audit standards;
• Lead development and delivery of training programmes for beneficiaries and partners;
• Promote documentation of lessons learned and best practices;
• Support scaling-up of successful interventions;
• Supervise project staff and consultants;
• Foster a results-oriented and collaborative team environment;
• Ensure clear roles, accountability, and performance monitoring;
• Perform any other duties as required by the FAOR.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, or related field
• Minimum 9 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural or rural development project management
• Working knowledge of English (Level C).
• National of Sierra Leone
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong experience in project/programme management (RBM approach)
• Proven experience in multi-stakeholder coordination (UN, government, NGOs)
• Experience in climate-resilient agriculture and food systems
• Experience in budget management and donor reporting
• Knowledge of FAO systems (GRMS, FPMIS) is an asset
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
Selection Criteria
• Experience in UN Joint Programmes or multi-agency coordination frameworks
• Experience with donor-funded programmes (EU, Irish Aid, etc.)
• Demonstrated leadership in complex, multi-sectoral projects
• Experience in nutrition-sensitive agriculture programmes
• Proven ability to deliver results under high scrutiny and tight timelines
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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