JP RWEE National Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting transformation towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life, leaving no one behind. FAO's Country Office for Tunisia (FAO-TUN) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing projects addressing food, agriculture and rural development priorities in the country. It develops and maintains collaboration with institutions working in Tunisia.

The Joint Programme 'Accelerating Progress towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) is a five year programme implemented through a partnership between FAO, IFAD, UN Women and WFP. The programme generates synergies that capitalize on each Agency's mandate, comparative advantages and institutional strengths to generate lasting and large-scale improvements in the lives of rural women. The programme aims to secure the livelihoods, rights and resilience of rural women in the context of sustainable development and Agenda 2030 and focuses on four key outcomes for rural women: (1) improved food security and nutrition; (2) increased incomes to sustain livelihoods and build resilience; (3) increased voice and agency for full leadership and participation in rural communities and governance structures, and (4) more gender-responsive policy environment for the economic empowerment of rural women.

The joint programme in Tunisia is part of the global JP RWEE initiative, currently being implemented in five countries worldwide through the Multi Partner Trust Fund modality. The implementation of the JP in Tunisia is managed through the lead agency FAO, and overseen by a National Steering Committee, consisting of senior representatives of the four participating agencies and government representatives. Implementation of the programme is monitored and supported by a Technical Working Group, consisting of technical focal points of each of the four agencies.

A Programme Management Unit, situated within the lead agency (FAO), consisting of the National Coordinator and the MEAL Coordinator oversees the management and implementation of the programme and its M&E system and collaborates closely with JP RWEE stakeholders.

Reporting Lines

The National Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Tunisia and the day to day supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) to whom she/he will report and will also have accountability to the Global Coordinator, based in WFP’s headquarters in Rome.

Technical Focus

Rural development, economic empowerment, food security and nutrition, livelihoods, women’s empowerment and gender equality.

The National Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination, management and implementation of the Joint Programme and for liaising with key stakeholders. She/he will work in close collaboration with the technical focal points of the four participating agencies to ensure smooth programme implementation and will liaise with senior participating agency staff and government representatives with regards to the governance of the programme.

He/she will play a critical role in ensuring that synergies are built and that strong coordination and communication between participating agencies, implementing partners, and government is in place. He/she will represent the Joint Programme with government and external stakeholders and ensure strong visibility of the programme. He/she will also participate in coordination processes organized by the Global Coordination Unit and in global level learning forums in order to enable cross fertilization and the sharing of good practice on a wider scale. The National Coordinator represents the JP RWEE in country.

Tasks and responsibilities

He/she is based within the lead agency and collaborates closely with the four participating agencies.

Specific responsibilities include the following:
• Lead the coordination mechanisms of the JP RWEE, serving as the overall manager of the programme for internal (participating organizations) and external partners (implementing partners, government and other stakeholders);
• Organize and lead monthly meetings with the Technical Working Group;
• Organize the annual National Steering Committee meeting and other meetings with government representatives and JP RWEE stakeholders as needed;
• Organize and lead a coordination platform between the participating agencies, implementing partners and other local stakeholders including local government on a bi-annual basis and as needed;
• Lead the organization of multi-stakeholder forums and/or events;
• Liaise with and provide updates to senior management (including for the RCO) and government representatives as required;
• Provide regularly updates and respond in a timely manner to requests for information by the Global Coordination Unit;
• Attend National Coordinator meetings organized by the Global
• Ensure a timely start up to the programme in line with inception/start-up plans
• Ensure that systems for programme planning, implementation and monitoring are in place;
• Oversee the implementation of the programme in line with the approved proposal document and the annual work plan;
• Oversee the development of the annual workplan and budget, including review and provision of feedback to the four participating agencies and submit the workplan to the Global Coordinator, ensuring adherence to requirements;
• With the technical working group, address any challenges to implementation and identify solutions in a timely manner;
• Organize and lead joint field visits to the programme between the participating agencies, and field visits with government representatives as appropriate;
• Ensure that programme expenditure occurs as per the approved workplan and respond to any overspends/underspends in a timely manner;
• Ensure that programme performance indicators and milestones established by the Global Coordination Unit are met and put in place improvement measures as needed;
• Encourage programme innovation and ensure agencies maximize their relevant technical expertise.
• Ensure the implementation of the M&E system, in line with the approved M&E plan (led by the MEAL Coordinator);
• Lead quarterly review processes with participating agencies and implementing partners;
• Lead annual review workshops with JP RWEE stakeholders;
• Ensure that a complaints response mechanism is in place for the programme;
• Oversee the implementation of baselines, endlines, mid-term and final evaluation (led by the MEAL Coordinator);
• Ensure the accurate and timely submission of agency reports;
• Review and provide feedback on agency reports;
• Prepare country annual and bi-annual reports for donors, collating reporting information from the agencies, drafting reports and submitting the reports to the Global Coordination Unit to the quality and standard required;
• Oversee the development and implementation of a knowledge management plan for the programme;
• Ensure that a culture of learning is developed across the programme and that wider agency take-up of programme methodologies is encouraged;
• Organise and lead experience sharing, including with participating agencies, implementing partners and beneficiaries;
• Identify good practices and lessons learned from the programme implementation, and document this knowledge for wider replication and use;
• Ensure the regular use of the programme’s globally managed knowledge management by the participating agencies, and make contributions to the platform as appropriate;
• Participate in learning and knowledge management processes organised by the Global Coordination Unit and contribute to cross fertilisation and South-South learning within the wider global programme.
• Communications
• With the support of the Global Coordination Unit, develop a simple communications plan and ensure its implementation;
• Contribute to the development of communication products that promote programme visibility.
• Supervise the JP RWEE MEAL Coordinator, including carrying out performance appraisal;
• Identify opportunities for capacity building of partners and facilitate technical/ programming support and trainings to partners, as needed, particularly in relation to gender equality;
• Liaise with the Global Coordinator regarding issues relating to Fund requirements;
• Ensure the efficient signing of programme documents and submission of funds transfer requests;
• Ensure ToRs are in place for the governance and coordination mechanisms of the fund and are reviewed as appropriate.
• Undertake any other duties as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, social science or other area related to the position.
• 5 years’ experience in managing and coordinating development programmes
• Working knowledge of English and French.
• Tunisian national

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to work independently in a timely and organized manner;
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
• Strong coordination skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with partners and stakeholders;
• Strong understanding of gender equality and women's empowerment issues and concepts in relation to rural development and poverty alleviation;
• Familiarity with the sustainable development goals, including SDG5
• Working experience with UN agencies is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION