Food and Nutrition Security Coordination Facilitator

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, is implementing a Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN) to improve food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and livelihoods. The programme targets vulnerable populations, particularly women, youth, and children, and contributes to national strategies and UN outcomes. A key FAO contribution is strengthening national and sub-national coordination mechanisms for effective and sustainable delivery of interventions.

Job Purpose

The Food and Nutrition Security Coordination Facilitator will provide essential technical and operational support to enhance multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms. This role is critical for revitalizing and operationalizing the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FNSWG), fostering stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration and alignment, and improving information sharing, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making. The facilitator will also support policy coordination, promote national ownership, and ensure the sustainability of these efforts through institutional capacity strengthening and effective handover mechanisms, ultimately contributing to more coherent and impactful food and nutrition security initiatives.

Responsibilities

The role involves strengthening coordination platforms by reviewing and updating Terms of Reference for the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FNSWG) and revitalizing national and sub-national coordination mechanisms. The facilitator will organize and lead regular coordination meetings. Stakeholder engagement includes strengthening collaboration among government, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, ensuring alignment with national policies, and promoting the integration of nutrition, climate resilience, gender, and youth considerations. Capacity building for government focal points is crucial for effective handover and institutionalization of coordination functions. The facilitator will support the development and implementation of a coordination strengthening plan, contribute to national processes like the Food Systems Action Plan, and ensure alignment with national development frameworks. Additionally, the role requires ensuring proper documentation of meeting proceedings and action points, maintaining coordination records, and providing inputs for project and donor reporting. The facilitator will also support the organization of workshops and consultations, facilitate dialogue, and ensure effective follow-up of agreed actions.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in food security and nutrition, multi-sectoral coordination, or programme and policy support. Experience in facilitating coordination platforms or working groups, working with government, UN agencies, and development partners is highly desirable. Strong familiarity with Sierra Leone’s food security and nutrition context is also important.

Skills

Key skills include strong facilitation and stakeholder coordination abilities, experience in multi-sectoral programme implementation, and knowledge of food security, nutrition, and climate resilience frameworks. The candidate should possess strong analytical and reporting skills, experience in results-based management, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder environments. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required. Demonstrated experience facilitating coordination platforms or working groups, working with government, UN agencies, and development partners, and a strong familiarity with Sierra Leone’s food security and nutrition context are essential.

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