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- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
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) aimed at improving food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and livelihoods.
The programme targets vulnerable populations—particularly women, youth, and children—and contributes to the Feed Salone Strategy and UNSDCF outcomes.
The Joint Programme focuses on:
• Climate-resilient livelihoods and food systems
• Improved access to nutrition-sensitive services
• Strengthened governance and coordination in food and nutrition systems
A core component of FAO’s contribution is to strengthen national and sub-national coordination mechanisms to ensure effective, aligned, and sustainable delivery of food and nutrition interventions.
Reporting Line
The incumbent will work under the Overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) and the Direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme).
The incumbent will maintain close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) / Food Systems Coordination Unit, UN Agencies (UNICEF, WFP, WHO) and development partners, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
Technical Focus
The Food and Nutrition Security Coordination Facilitator will provide technical and operational support to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms, with a focus on:
• Revitalization and operationalization of the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FNSWG).
• Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration and alignment.
• Enhancing information sharing, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Supporting policy coordination and national ownership.
• Ensuring sustainability through institutional capacity strengthening and handover mechanisms.
Tasks and responsibilities
Coordination Platform Strengthening
• Review and update the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FNSWG);
• Revitalize and operationalize coordination platforms at national and sub-national levels;
• Facilitate regular coordination meetings (quarterly and ad hoc).
Stakeholder Engagement and Alignment
• Strengthen collaboration among government, UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector;
• Ensure alignment of interventions with national policies and strategies;
• Promote integration of:
o Nutrition
o Climate resilience
o Gender and youth considerations
Government Capacity Strengthening and Handover
• Support identification of a government focal point for coordination;
• Provide capacity building and mentoring to ensure effective handover;
• Promote institutionalization of coordination functions within government structures.
Planning and Strategic Support
• Support development and implementation of a coordination strengthening plan;
• Contribute to national processes such as:
o Food Systems Action Plan
o Right to Food policy processes
• Support alignment with national development frameworks.
Knowledge Management and Reporting
• Ensure proper documentation of:
o Meeting proceedings
o Action points and follow-up
• Maintain coordination records and reporting systems;
• Provide inputs to project reports and donor reporting.
Facilitation of Multi-Sectoral Processes
• Support organization of workshops, consultations, and validation meetings;
• Facilitate dialogue among stakeholders;
• Ensure effective follow-up of agreed actions.
Other Duties
• Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Nutrition, Agriculture, Public Health, Development Studies, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Food security and nutrition, Multi-sectoral coordination or Programme or policy support
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English
• National of Sierra Leone
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder coordination skills
• Experience in multi-sectoral programme implementation
• Knowledge of food security, nutrition, and climate resilience frameworks
• Strong analytical and reporting skills
• Experience in results-based management (RBM)
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Selection Criteria
• Demonstrated experience facilitating coordination platforms or working groups;
• Experience working with government, UN agencies, and development partners;
• Strong familiarity with Sierra Leone’s food security and nutrition context.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- 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/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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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