National Technical Coordinator

Organizational Context

FAO Sierra Leone, in partnership with UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, is implementing a Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN). This initiative aims to strengthen food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and governance systems in Sierra Leone through a multi-sectoral approach. It targets vulnerable populations, particularly women, youth, and children, and aligns with national priorities like the Feed Salone Strategy and UNSDCF outcomes. FAO specifically leads interventions in agriculture, livelihoods, and resilience-building, including value chain development and climate-smart practices.

Job Purpose

The National Technical Coordinator will ensure the effective planning, implementation, coordination, and delivery of all FAO-led project components within the Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme. This role is critical for achieving timely outputs and outcomes, ensuring compliance with FAO and Irish Aid requirements, fostering strong multi-sectoral integration across UN agencies, and maintaining high-quality technical and operational performance. The coordinator will provide leadership to ensure the project's success in enhancing food and nutrition security and climate resilience in Sierra Leone.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of FAO project components, ensuring adherence to workplans, budgets, and timelines. Develop and oversee operational workplans, ensuring alignment with FAO standards, donor requirements, and Joint Programme objectives. Provide technical leadership in agriculture, livelihoods, and resilience interventions, guiding the design and implementation of climate-resilient agriculture, livelihood support, and nutrition-sensitive activities. Ensure the technical quality of all outputs. Coordinate FAO activities with UN partner agencies (UNICEF, WFP, WHO) for integrated delivery. Collaborate with government institutions, NGOs, and private sector actors. Facilitate joint planning, monitoring, and reporting. Oversee procurement processes and resource utilization. Ensure robust monitoring systems are in place. Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality, timely reports to donors and stakeholders. Identify and manage project risks, proposing mitigation measures. Lead training programs and promote the documentation of lessons learned. Supervise project staff and consultants, fostering a results-oriented team environment.

Work Experience

A minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural or rural development project management is required. Experience in leading complex, multi-sectoral projects and working with donor-funded programmes is essential.

Skills

Proven experience in project/programme management using a Results-Based Management (RBM) approach. Strong experience in multi-stakeholder coordination with UN agencies, government, and NGOs. Expertise in climate-resilient agriculture and food systems. Demonstrated leadership and strong analytical and communication skills. Experience in budget management, donor reporting, and UN Joint Programmes is highly desirable. Familiarity with FAO corporate systems (GRMS, FPMIS) is an asset. Ability to deliver results under scrutiny and tight timelines.

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