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 in Tunisia is part of the global JP RWEE initiative, currently being implemented in six 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 (PMU) situated within the lead agency (FAO), consisting of the National Coordinator and the MEAL Coordinator with the support of the FAO project taskforce, 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), the technical supervision of the FAO- Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in close collaboration with the project taskforce,

Technical Focus

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

Tasks and responsibilities

The JP RWEE National Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination, management and implementation of the Joint Programme and for liaising with key stakeholders. He/she will work in close collaboration with the technical focal points of the participating agencies to ensure smooth programme implementation and will liaise with senior participating agency staff with regards to the governance of the programme. The Coordinator will also have accountability to the Global Coordinator, based in WFP’s headquarters in Rome.

He/she will undertake the following specific tasks:

1-    Coordination

• Lead the preparation and alignment of tools governed by the “JP RWEE Coordination mechanisms”.
–    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/facilitate JP RWEE Annual Review workshops.
• Organise a JP RWEE  “Coordination Platform” to allow sharing and synergies between the participating agencies, implementing partners and other local stakeholders including local government on a bi-annual basis and as needed.
• Coordinate or/and participate in organizing of JP RWEE multi-stakeholder forums and/or events.
• Liaise with and provide updates to senior management (including for the RCO) 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 Coordination Unit.

2-    Programme Management and Implementation

• Coordinate 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 donor requirements.
• Organize, if necessary, joint field visits to the programme between the participating agencies, and field visits with government representatives as appropriate.
• Provide tools, ideas and option solutions on programme synergies including implementation and reporting at different meetings.

3-    Reporting

• Ensure quality and timely submission of all reports as by JP RWEE requirements, while fulfilling the processes of Lead Agency.
• Oversee and ensure that reports reviews are completed.
• Prepare and submit Tunisia’s specific reports as required by Global Coordination, including consolidating, preparing and submitting the annual donor report

4-    Knowledge Management and dissemination

• Develop and implement 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.
• Identify good practices and lessons learned from the programme implementation and document this knowledge for wider replication and use.
• Organize and/or participate in learning and knowledge management processes organized by the Global Coordination Unit and contribute to cross fertilization and South-South learning within the wider global programme.
• Prepare workshop, events and products based on the capitalization for continuous learning approach.
• Develop annual communication plans and ensure related implementation in collaboration with the Global Coordination Unit, and the agencies.

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

•    Strong understanding of gender and women’s empowerment issues and concepts in relation to rural development and poverty alleviation;
•    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;
•    Familiarity with the sustainable development goals, including SDG5
•    Working experience with UN agencies is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION