Organizational Setting

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 

•     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