National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone and the technical supervision of the project Lead Technical Officer (LTO), the NPC will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of the project implementation including the day-to-day project management and regular monitoring of project results and risks as well as social and environmental risks.

Technical Focus

The Government of Sierra Leone has made considerable progress in land sector in the past 10 years, partially as result of a successful application of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT) principles in different reform processes supported by the Government and CSOs. Starting from the adoption of the National Land Policy in 2015, a progressive Customary Land Rights Act and a Land Commission Act have been promulgated by the Parliament in August 2022, as well as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE) signed by the president in January 2023. All these instruments represent a milestone in the advancement of securing tenure rights for the most vulnerable and a significant step towards the realization of women’s land rights in the law. At the same time, the implementation of such laws will require the definition of clear road maps and implementation plans. To this aim FAO is supporting the implementation of the project Promoting inclusivity for improved local tenure governance.

First the project will strive to improve local land governance by reinforcing and capacitating local institutions (traditional and newly established) which play a crucial role in the implementation of the legislative framework, paying particular attention to the role of women and youth. Secondly, to further support improved land governance, the project will strive to increase the capacity of national actors to define land reform targets, indicators and agree long term monitoring mechanisms, in line with the VGGT principles, with the ultimate objective of increasing accountability.

The NPC will liaise with the LTO on all aspects of project coordination and implementation including but not limited to:

Tasks and responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of the project and coordination of planning, implementation supervision of activities to ensure efficient provision of both administrative and technical support services. • Manage and coordinate project activities to ensure efficient provision of both administrative and technical support services. • Coordinate the timely and quality implementation of overall project components by providing technical support and ensuring appropriate linkages amongst the consultants and other actors. • Closely monitor the implementation of the project to avoid delays, under spending and overspending. • Timely compilation and submission of project reports (every 6 months in accordance with FAO reporting requirements). • Work closely with the FAO admin unit to monitor project finances and review progress made towards stated objectives and results on a half year basis. • In collaboration with FAO Procurement Officer and Procurement Committee, prepare bid documents including TORs for project experts/consultants working on the various aspects of the project and to the selection processes. • Coordinate the procurement of project services, equipment and materials. • Assist in identifying and recruiting consultants and collaborating partners. • Facilitate the timely preparation, organization and evaluation of the various workshops, training and meetings for the project. • Provide assistance to consultants as necessary. • Liaise with all project stakeholders to communicate information about the project and thus facilitate implementation of project activities. • Perform other related duties as required by supervisors. • Perform any other duties deemed necessary for the successful execution of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, land governance, development or any other related disciplines. • 10 years working experience in project coordination, management in related disciplines. Knowledge and demonstrated working experience in the field of land tenure, resource rights and particularly in gender and women’s land rights is considered highly desirable. • Working knowledge of English • National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional Skills:

• Ability to supervise, manage and support to field activities of the project. • Ability to manage trainings and capacity building programme of the project. • Relevant experience/ exposure, skills and knowledge in results-based approach/management. • Ability to communicate with different stakeholders. • Different types of report writing skills. • Computer skill (Microsoft office, Photoshop). • Good report writing skills. • Experience with the UN agencies in similar position is added advantage.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in land governance is an added advantage. • Thorough knowledge of national institutions, and their mandates • Previous working experience with UN or international organizations will be an added advantage.

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.