Coordination and Technical Backstopping Specialist (SSTC Sahel Project)

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

FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list 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 For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.