National Coordinator

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to eradicating hunger and ensuring food security globally. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO collaborates with governments and partners to advance agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. In Malawi, the Country Programming Framework 2024-2028 guides collaboration with national aspirations. FAO's project "Food - Accountability, Rights and Empowerment" (GCP-GLO-1336-GER) in Malawi aims to address challenges in realizing the right to adequate food through improved monitoring, transparency, accountability, and access to justice.

Job Purpose

The National Coordinator will be responsible for the comprehensive planning and execution of project activities within Malawi. This role involves overseeing all aspects of project delivery, ensuring alignment with national priorities and FAO's mandate. The incumbent will coordinate efforts to strengthen monitoring systems, enhance transparency, bolster accountability mechanisms, and improve access to justice related to the right to adequate food. This position is crucial for driving the project's success and contributing to the realization of food security and human rights in Malawi.

Responsibilities

The National Coordinator will lead stakeholder mapping and engagement, organizing workshops and coordination meetings to foster national ownership and collaboration. Responsibilities include reviewing and systematizing national legal frameworks on the right to adequate food, developing a national action plan, and establishing a Right to Food Monitoring Technical Working Group. The role involves co-developing a Right to Food Implementation Index and supporting the dissemination of transparency reports. Additionally, the coordinator will map justice actors, assess obstacles to accessing justice for right to food violations, and adapt capacity development materials for legal professionals and civil society. Key tasks include conducting training sessions for duty-bearers, promoting community-based advocacy, and facilitating cross-country knowledge sharing. Project coordination, reporting, and ensuring compliance with FAO standards are also integral to this position.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience in national policy and/or research work concerning human rights, agriculture, food security, and nutrition is required. Experience in developing and implementing projects related to these areas is highly desirable. Previous work with FAO or other international organizations, particularly in Malawi, would be considered an asset.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess strong results focus, teamwork, and communication skills. Essential competencies include building effective relationships, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. A solid understanding of and experience with the human right to adequate food is crucial. Strong leadership and facilitation skills are necessary for coordinating diverse stakeholders. Experience with human-rights-based approaches and project management is highly valued. Previous experience working with FAO Malawi or similar international organizations is an advantage.

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