The purpose of this position is to provide technical support to Concern’s Food Security and Livelihood Programme in Sudan, focusing on programme development, implementation, quality and learning. The position holder will liaise with colleagues in Health& Nutrition, WASH and Emergency sectors as well as Finance and Systems departments. The position holder will report to the Programme Director and work closely with field teams and other Members of the Programme Support Unit.

The National FSL Specialist is a key technical staff and is among the senior-most national positions within the Country Programme

New programme design and proposal development

• Together with FSL team in the field, conduct needs assessments in the target areas to collect relevant information for the development of new projects
• Consult with relevant stakeholders at the locality and state levels to solicit their input into the new projects.
• Take the technical lead in the development of new FSL projects and ensure that the projects reflect the needs of the target groups and technical standards (Concern, Ministry, sector and international) are adhered to.
• Where necessary, work closely with the Dublin-based Agriculture and Natural Resources Advisor to support the design of new FSL projects.
• Where applicable, consult/involve the implementing partners in the developing of new projects so that the project reflects their input.
• Take part in drafting new proposals (concept notes, proposal narrative and budgets) within the set deadlines.
• Promptly respond to both internal and external feedbacks on the proposals.
• In case of multi-sector projects, coordinate and work closely with sector colleagues to ensure synergy is built into the interventions.

Programme implementation.

• In close collaboration with the Communication and Reporting Coordinator, assist in preparing the Technical Agreements (GoS).
• Prepare Detailed Implementation Plans (DIPs) for FSL projects/project components based on the approved programmatic documents.
• Take part in kick-off meetings of new projects and follow up the implementation of the agreed resolutions from the meetings.
• Disseminate and explain the DIPs to the field staff and support the staff to implement the activities according to the DIPs
• Prepare technical briefs and guidance notes on the planned activities and share with the field staff
• Work with the Project Managers, and the field-based FSL Coordinators and Project Officers to ensure that field supplies are procured as per the procurement plan and in time for the planting season.
• Make project site visits and together with the field teams, ensure that the activities are implemented as per the design and according to the required technical standards.
• Support the Project Managers, and field-based FSL Teams in new innovative ideas, technical know-how, value for money approaches in coordination with the Finance Team and System Team
• Prepare technical specifications for the FSL supplies according to the Ministry’s and cluster standards based on market values.

Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEAL)

• Work closely with MEAL staff to develop M&E plans for projects/FSL component of projects
• Contribute to the FSL sector baselines and assessments, including market surveys, value chain studies and stakeholders’ analysis.
• Provide input into the development/adjustment of tools (data collection tools, monitoring checklist, key performance indicator measurement etc.)
• Coordinate with the field MEAL staff to ensure that relevant data is collected in the FSL activities e.g. Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) data, etc. and provide technical support in interpreting the data
• Provide technical inputs to the Program Support Team on FSL technical learning, best practices and lesson learnt, and suggest adjustments, modifications on project implementation for a better performance.
• Take lead in drafting both internal and external reports as per the agreed upon formats, using the MEAL information.

Representation and reporting

• Represent Concern in technical coordination meetings such as FSL cluster and cash working group (CWG) and actively participate and contribute to the work of the cluster
• Collaborate with other external organisations e.g. the private sector and research organisations to develop innovative FSL solutions.

• Prepare and submit reports to the relevant sectors and working groups as per the formats.
• Prepare both internal and external quality reports informed by the data from the MEAL system.
• Take part in state-level FSL forums to represent Concern and influence the adoption of innovative approaches and practices.
• Maintain cordial relationships with FSL stakeholders at different levels.

Crosscutting duties.

• Ensure that HIV & AIDS, equality and disaster risk reduction (DRR) are factored into programme design and delivery, reviews and evaluations
• Strengthen the capacity of field staff in relevant technical areas.
• Actively participate in any emergency response if called upon to do so (within the existing programme area or in a new one).
• Undertake other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Area Manager/Area Coordinator.

Others:

• Be aware of, understand and comply with all of Concern’s policies and procedures (Code of Conduct and Associated policies, finance, logistics, HR, security management etc.).
• Contribute to ongoing security management and planning as necessary.

Essential

• Master’s Degree in the field of food security and livelihoods i.e. Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and Livestock Production, Environment Management
• At least 10 years progressive experience with INGO’s/UN in food security and livelihoods projects, at least five of which should have been in senior positions in project management and/or as a technical specialist.
• Familiarity with FSL frameworks and standards.
• Experience in implementing Cash and Voucher Assistance (C&V) programmes.
• Track record in drafting good quality proposals and writing reports. 
• Previous experience of food and livelihood programs in the programme areas.
• Familiar with procedures & requirements of major institutional donors e.g. EU, USAID, SHF, WFP, UNICEF, etc.
• Knowledge of participatory methods and data collection methodologies.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic, particularly technical language
• Experience in MEAL systems
• IT skills including word, excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Familiarity with principles of humanitarian action (international code of conduct and humanitarian charter).
• Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Empathy with organizational goals.

Desirable

• Experience in using Digital Data Gathering tools;
• Familiarity with some of the donor requirements, especially the EU and OFDA;
• Knowledge of different humanitarian standards, e.g. Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS), and FSL sector strategies, MoA strategy
• Experience in DRR approaches and practices and climate change driven innovative solutions
• Knowledge of and experience in working in Kordofan, Darfur and Eastern Sudan regions.
• Experience in working in partnerships.