Coordination and Technical Backstopping Specialist (SSTC Sahel Project)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with divisions/offices/centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. 
The SSTC Sahel Project aims to strengthen irrigation, water management and land restoration capacities across Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania. The position provides overall coordination and technical backstopping to ensure coherent project delivery across the region.

The post is located in Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Regional SSTC Officer. They will collaborate closely with technical units, country offices, and regional coordination mechanisms.

Technical Focus

Project coordination, technical oversight, quality assurance, harmonization of methodologies, and structured support to implementation across participating countries.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Coordinate and track the timely delivery of Sahel project activities across participating countries
•    Harmonize methodologies and standardize reporting tools for consistent use across the project
•    Provide technical backstopping and quality review to strengthen the accuracy of country-level outputs
•    Consolidate regional technical inputs and draft contributions for quarterly, annual, and donor reports
•    Facilitate cross-country collaboration and alignment within the Sahel project governance and coordination architecture
•    Support the coordination of all technical and operational aspects of the Sahel project across participating countries
•    Ensure alignment of national implementation activities with regional project frameworks and FAO standards
•    Serve as a technical coordination focal point between RAF, PSTD, UNOSSC and FAO Country Offices
•    Support quality assurance processes for methodologies, mission reports, and technical deliverables
•    Facilitate structured communication flows and information exchange among project teams across the region
•    Coordinate project implementation across Sahel countries ensuring coherent delivery
•    Provide technical backstopping to national consultants and FAO teams
•    Lead quality assurance of methodologies, reports and guidance materials
•    Support harmonization of tools and reporting frameworks regionally
•    Review and consolidate technical submissions for reporting
•    Identify operational challenges and propose corrective actions
•    Facilitate virtual technical exchanges and cross-country learning
•    Ensure adherence to FAO visibility and quality standards
 

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 agriculture, natural resource management, water management, irrigation and water management agriculture, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, development studies or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in international development, water resources management, technical coordination or backstopping roles
•    Working knowledge of English (level C)

Competencies

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

 

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Experience working within regional or multi-country programme structures
•    Intermediate knowledge of French (level B) is considered an asset
•    Strong experience in multi-country coordination, technical backstopping and programme oversight
•    Proven ability to review, consolidate and quality-assure technical documentation
•    Experience with monitoring, reporting and results-based management frameworks
•    Strong ability to work with multidisciplinary and multi-country teams
•    Experience in irrigation, water management or land restoration is an advantage
•    Knowledge of FAO/UN project implementation procedures is an asset
•    Experience in networking with partners in the African region at all levels (Ministries, donors, private sector, NGOs and local community-based organizations)
•    Relevant experience in coordinating and working with both international and local institutions 
•    Proven ability to deliver quality outputs working under tight deadlines
 

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] 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/ [link removed]. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed]. 

• 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 [link removed]

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