The Technical Support Unit (TSU) Principal Coordinator will be a crucial member of the TSU and guide the work of the technical support unit, ensuring effective delivery, communication and collaboration. He/She will work closely with the Secretariat to align the technical support activities with the overall planning, coordination, and resource mobilization efforts for the EFS implementation. The principal coordinator will work closely with the TSU members in their role of coordinating the clusters to Undertake detailed diagnosis that leads to policy formulation or legal arrangements as necessary for GCs within each Cluster, provide periodic updates on the status of clusters/game changers and their roles to support regional and local level action. He/She will also coordinate the unit to support the Secretariat on the preparation of presentations, meeting minutes, and other materials for the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee. He/she will identify key bottlenecks that may affect the implementation of the EFS, identify best practices, and provide technical and implementation support.

The Principal Coordinator will guide the Technical Support Unit strategically and technically, supporting the planning and coordination of efforts across EFS implementation. They will coordinate engagements between the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, Cluster Working Groups, and regional stakeholders. The Principal Coordinator will report to the Secretariat on the activities of the Technical Support Unit and support the co-chairs (the Minister of Agriculture and Health) for strategic direction.

The successful applicant is expected to be driven and dynamic, with a problem-solving mindset and excellent communication skills. This role presents a unique opportunity to engage with key players in the food and nutrition ecosystem, both locally and globally.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategically and technically guide the TSU, supporting the planning and coordination of efforts across EFS implementation and coordination of the cluster working groups.
• Work closely with the Secretariat to align the technical support activities with the overall planning, coordination, and resource mobilization efforts for the EFS implementation.
• Coordinate the TSU to Support the secretariate in the coordination of engagements between the Inter-Ministerial committee and working groups, Facilitation of the preparation of decision-support tools including technical synthesis, presentations and meeting minutes, support in preparing agenda for the inter-ministerial steering committee meetings
• Guide the cluster coordinators to undertake detailed diagnosis that leads to policy formulation or legal arrangements as necessary for the game changers (GCs) within each cluster,
• Support and guide the TSU team to engage in high-visibility activities with stakeholders, the public, and the media; disseminate key food systems-related lessons;

• Identify and engage food systems stakeholders across a range of sectors in agriculture, nutrition, health, climate, economics, and education, including donors, national and international NGOs and associations, and civil society organizations.
• Contribute to and provide expert views on the food systems, background papers, talking points, and other correspondence for the secretariat and the co-chairs as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the EFSN secretariat and co-chairs to support the overall success of the EFSN transformation.
• Represent the EFSN in public events, task forces, working groups, etc., on food systems, food security, and social sector activities.

Required Qualification, Competencies and Experience

• A minimum of 12 years of professional experience for an MSc or 6 years of experience for a PhD in development, international development, or agriculture, with a nutritional focus.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Demonstrated national and/or international experience in multi-sectoral coordination, inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural leadership, and communication, as well as deeper knowledge of the Ethiopian economy;
• A strong research and operational leadership experience;
• Adequate experience in translating complex technical material and research findings into tools that support evidence-based decision-making;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, at least in Amharic and English, to interact with various individuals, including elected and government officials, development partners, the public, and key stakeholders.