Emergency Coordinator

Reporting Lines

The Emergency Coordinator deployed for surge support will report to the Technical Officer, under the technical oversight of the FAO Representative in the country of assignment.

Technical Focus 

Support to the implementation of FAO’s Emergency response in line with the Emergency Response Priorities of coordination, assessment, and time- critical interventions. Assist in coordinating the implementation and follow-up of FAO’s emergency operations and strategies in the affected country.

Tasks and responsibilities

o Ensure FAO’s active participation in all humanitarian coordination mechanisms (including clusters and/or sectors), with local government authorities, other UN agencies, donors and other partners;
o Ensure the development of an initial anticipatory action and emergency response strategy and leads the programming process from needs assessments through programme development and implementation, while including FAO components of appeals, strategy documents, and project proposals;
o Ensure FAO’s participation in joint needs assessments and (co-)leadership of sector-specific assessments, that the specific needs of vulnerable groups (socio-economic, gender, age and health status) are addressed, and that commitments on accountability to affected populations are met;
o Oversees the development of an initial emergency operations plan, including human and financial resources, and the implementation of all operational activities;
o Assist in setting up emergency assessment and response teams immediately to address new emergencies and provide surge capacity to country offices;
o Coordinates the development of FAO’s contribution to inter-agency Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs) and Flash Appeals and the preparation of project profiles and full-fledged project documents for donor funding;
o Ensure that the required technical assistance from the Technical Focal Point Network is made available to the Emergency Response Team and FAO implementing partners;
o Supports sectorial coordination through the FAO-WFP co-led Food Security Cluster/Sector in the country;
o Oversee the development of an advocacy and outreach plan, including key messages, communication material such as Executive and ad-hoc Briefs, Situation Reports, and the authorization of information to external communication sources;
o Establish and maintain regular contacts with donors, and ensure the provision of updated information on FAO assessments, response plans, and activities;
o Coordinate FAO’s contribution to inter-agency Post Disaster Needs Assessments and Post Conflict Needs Assessment;
o Ensure all possible steps are taken to protect the safety and wellbeing of FAO personnel responding to the emergency (in accordance with FAO and UN system safety and security protocols); 
o Manage the demobilization of the Emergency Response Team and transition from the temporary emergency response structure to country-led programming; 
o Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, including experience in developing countries, especially in countries that are vulnerable to disaster or other emergency risks.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in long-term field positions is desirable;
• Experience in humanitarian contexts is required.

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.

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