1. Context and rationale

West Africa had a population of over 435 million in 2023, 55% of whom live in rural areas and depend on natural resources for their socioeconomic development. The region's economy remains dominated by the primary sector, particularly agriculture, which accounts for 22.2% of GDP (ECA-UN1[1] , 2023) and provides between 22% and 73% of employment depending on the country in the region in 2021 (FAO[2] , 2023).

However, the food and nutrition situation in West Africa is increasingly worrying, with a steady increase in the number of people facing acute food and nutrition insecurity since 2014. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of people classified as food insecure increased significantly, from 22.1 million (6% of the population analyzed) in 2020 to 35.3 million in March 2024, or 9% of the population analyzed. Child and maternal malnutrition rates remain critical, often exceeding the WHO emergency threshold (15%), particularly in certain areas of Nigeria, Mali, Niger, and Chad. In 2023, approximately 12.6 million children under the age of 5 were suffering from acute malnutrition, including 3.2 million who were severely malnourished. In addition, 1.5 million pregnant and lactating women were acutely malnourished in several countries in the region.

The current decline in food and nutrition security is due to a combination of structural and cyclical factors and complex interactions between climate shocks, population growth, erosion of natural resources and livelihoods, persistent conflict, market imperfections (variation and volatility in commodity prices), and the impacts of pandemics/epidemics.

Faced with these urgent food and nutrition needs, ECOWAS and its partners are implementing mitigation and response measures in support of countries' efforts. However, beyond the immediate assistance required, the region has made strong commitments to transform agriculture and strengthen the resilience of the food system. Three mutually reinforcing areas of intervention have emerged as priorities for strengthening the resilience of the food system in West Africa:

1. supporting the productive base of the food system by investing in climate-smart agriculture at the farm and landscape levels;
2. promoting an environment conducive to value chain development and intraregional trade;
3. strengthening regional capacity to manage agricultural risks.

To address these priorities, the region is receiving funding from the World Bank for the implementation of the Food System Resilience Program in West Africa (FSRP).

2. Brief presentation of the Program

The Food System Resilience Program in West Africa (PRSA or FSRP) is a flagship regional program worth over US$1 billion aimed at strengthening the resilience of the food system in West Africa. Using a multi-phase programmatic approach (MPA), the PRSA ensures gradual implementation and regional alignment, while adapting to the needs of Phase 1 countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Togo), Phase 2 countries (Ghana, Sierra Leone, Chad), Phase 3 countries (Senegal), and regional institutions including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). 

The overall objective of the program is to increase responsiveness to food insecurity and strengthen the resilience of the food system.

The program thus comprises five components, ranging from a focus on immediate response to the current food insecurity crisis to increased medium- and longer-term investments aimed at strengthening the resilience of the food system and its production base:

• Component 1 (managed by CILSS): Digital advisory services for the prevention and management of agricultural and food crises, with the following main objectives: (i) to improve decision support systems with demand-driven information services in order to increase the effectiveness of agricultural and food crisis prevention and management, by integrating data and leveraging science, innovation, and cutting-edge technologies; and (ii) strengthening regional capacity and institutional sustainability, as well as the capacity to adapt to climate change.
• Component 2 (managed by CORAF): Sustainability and resilience of the productive base of the food system, whose main objectives are: (i) to strengthen national and regional agricultural research systems; (i) to strengthen the policy environment for landscape governance (inclusive multisectoral policies and regulations to prevent, reduce, and reverse land degradation); and (iii) to create/strengthen integrated management landscape units capable of sustainably achieving multiple objectives (food production, provision of ecosystem services, protection of biodiversity, and improvement of local livelihoods).
• Component 3 (managed by ECOWAS): Regional integration of food markets and trade, with the following main objectives: (j) support the preparation and implementation of sound regional regulations and policies to facilitate trade in agricultural goods and inputs within and across national borders in West Africa through the main corridors; (i) consolidate the food reserve system; and (iii) support the development of strategic regional value chains with the potential for tangible positive impacts on regional food security and nutrition.
• Component 4: Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC), which is a mechanism for financing eligible expenditures in the event of an emergency precipitated by a natural disaster. Activating this component allows for the rapid disbursement of funds to reduce damage to infrastructure, ensure business continuity, and recover more quickly from a disaster. Following a major disaster, the affected participating country may request that the World Bank channel resources from other PRGF components to the CERC. As a condition of disbursement, an Emergency Response Manual (ERM) will be developed for each country, stipulating the fiduciary, safeguard, monitoring, and reporting requirements related to the use of the CERC, as well as any other essential coordination and implementation provisions.
• Component 5 (managed by ECOWAS): Program Management, which will delegate technical work under Components 1 and 2 to the relevant mandated organizations (mainly CILSS for Component 1 and CORAF for Component 2). Component 5 will ensure effective program management and close monitoring of performance and impact.

For the operational implementation of the Program, a regional coordination unit has been set up within the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF). Under the coordination of a regional coordinator, this unit, which has been gradually established since 2023, currently comprises: an Expert in Monitoring and Evaluation, Capitalization and Knowledge Management, a Communication and Visibility Expert, a Coordination Assistant, an Environmental Safeguards Expert, a Regional Integration and Trade Policy Expert, an Internal Auditor, an Administration and Finance Assistant, and a Procurement Assistant.

In anticipation of the vacancy of the position of Regional Coordinator, ECOWAS intends to recruit a new coordinator from within its region. These terms of reference define the conditions for this recruitment.

3. Job description
4. 1. Roles/Responsibilities

The Coordinator is the head of the Program's Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) and is responsible for ensuring the operational implementation of Components 3 and 5 and the overall coordination of the Program. He/she will ensure consistency and continuity between the different phases of the Program (Phases I, II, and III) and between beneficiary countries, in conjunction with regional institutions. Reporting to the Executive Director and under the supervision of the Head of the Technical Operations Division of the RAAF, he/she will work closely with the teams of the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development and all other Directorates of the ECOWAS Commission involved in the implementation of the program. He/she is also responsible for protecting the program and ensuring that all activities are aligned with the program's objectives and plans.

In this capacity, he/she will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Coordinating the technical and financial execution of program activities in relation to the various institutional implementation actors (CILSS, ECOWAS, CORAF, FSRP participating countries) in order to achieve the expected results in accordance with the project document (PAD) and the agreement signed with the World Bank;
• Ensuring the preparation of documents to be submitted for non-objection by the World Bank: work program (PTBA), procurement plan, etc.;
• Monitor service providers who may be mobilized to support the implementation of the Program (preparation of TORs, monitoring of services);
• Ensure the mobilization of partner organizations, the operational coordination of the action, and the effective and efficient management of FSRP resources;
• Ensure the day-to-day management of the Program, including team management activities;
• Monitor activities at the regional level (ECOWAS, CILSS, CORAF) and maintain close relations with program managers in beneficiary countries;
• Supervise and contribute to the preparation of interim and final program implementation reports in accordance with the contractual provisions applicable to World Bank financing;
• Oversee the timely production of periodic program implementation reports and reports presented to the Program's Regional Steering Committee (RSC);
• Ensure the implementation of the FSRP regional results framework and the quality of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) reports submitted to the World Bank;
• Ensure compliance with fiduciary, environmental, social, and risk management commitments, in accordance with the provisions of the PAD and the requirements of the World Bank;
• Play a key role in mobilizing and coordinating with technical and financial partners, and aligning with complementary regional initiatives (ECOWAP, PRAPS, GGWI, etc.);
• Promote the integration of gender, youth, and nutrition considerations into all program activities and ensure the operationalization of the FSRP Gender Action Plan.
• Develop and implement a strategy for capitalization, dissemination of results, and exchanges between countries in phases 1, 2, and 3;
• Contribute to the practical organization of CPR meetings, Technical Monitoring Committees (TMCs), and meetings with the various program implementation partners;
• Ensure the facilitation of exchanges, the circulation of information, and coordination (drafting of meeting minutes, reports on visits or missions, etc.) between all actors involved in the implementation of the FSRP;
• Develop consultation and collaboration with all FSRP stakeholders and donors;
• Organize and contribute to the smooth running of any external monitoring and evaluation missions commissioned by the World Bank within the framework of the Program;
• Ensure the ongoing archiving of Program files;
• Ensure synergy and complementarity with programs and projects financed by the World Bank and other donors in the countries and throughout the West Africa region;
• Ensure that environmental and social aspects are effectively taken into account in the implementation of activities;
• Represent the Program in its relations with external partners;
• Perform all other tasks related to the achievement of the Program's objectives.

1. 2. Qualifications and experience

3.2.1- Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (minimum Master's, 5 years of higher education) in agronomy, animal husbandry, agroeconomics, environmental science, sociology, or related disciplines. A doctorate/PhD in the program's field would be an advantage.

3.2.2- Experience required

1. Project and program management
   • At least ten (10) years of proven experience in implementing and managing development projects/programs in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, natural resource management, food security, or related fields related to resilience.
   • Proven experience in strategic planning, risk management, and project monitoring and evaluation.
   • Proven experience (at least 5 years) in managing projects financed by the World Bank or other multilateral development banks, with practical knowledge of fiduciary rules, procurement, safeguards, and reporting.
   • Experience working on World Bank projects is an advantage.
2. Team coordination and management
   • Minimum five (5) years of experience as a coordinator of food security or agricultural development projects.
   • Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, including delegation, conflict resolution, and institutional representation.
3. Regional dimension and partnerships
   • In-depth knowledge of regional trade policies (ECOWAS, UEMOA), trade facilitation mechanisms, and the functioning of strategic food reserve systems.
   • Practical experience in managing and coordinating regional/multilateral projects in West Africa.
   • Close collaboration with regional institutions (ECOWAS, UEMOA, CILSS, CORAF) or international development agencies.
   • In-depth and proven knowledge of the socio-economic, political, and environmental context of West Africa.
4. Financial management and reporting
   • Experience in budget management, financial monitoring, technical and financial reporting, and project performance evaluation.
5. Analysis and capitalization
   • Experience in analyzing monitoring and evaluation data, developing operational recommendations, and contributing to the formulation of public policies or regional strategies.
6. Languages and communication
   • Professional experience demonstrating regular and advanced use of French and English (report writing, meeting facilitation, negotiation with international partners).
   • Experience in intercultural communication with local, national, and international actors.
7. Specific assets
   • Experience in implementing regional projects funded by the World Bank is a major advantage.
   • Experience working in fragile contexts affected by conflict or insecurity.

4. General conditions for the position

• 1. Location, duration, and start date of the assignment
• The Regional Coordinator will be based in Lomé at the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF).
• The duration of the assignment is for the entire life of the Project after a six-month probationary period. However, a consultant contract will be signed for renewable 12-month periods subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and the needs of the Project.
• The start date for the assignment is envisaged for February 1, 2026.
• The position is full-time.

• 2. Other conditions
• The Consultant must adhere to the objectives and values promoted by ECOWAS.
• The Consultant must work in accordance with the principles and guidelines established within the RAAS;
• The Consultant is required to refrain from any situation that could place him or her in a conflict of interest in the context of the mission assigned to him or her.

5. Application file
   1. The application file must consist of:

• A signed letter of interest, indicating the period of availability;
• A recent, signed resume detailing professional experience and similar assignments;
• Three professional references (first and last names, current and previous positions, email addresses, and phone numbers);
• A certified copy of the highest degree in the relevant field;
• Copies of the work or service certificates mentioned in the resume.

1. 2. Submission of applications

Applications must be submitted in a single PDF format no later than November 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. GMT via upload to OneDrive at https://bit.ly/3ILIbV0.

The ARAA reserves the right not to consider applications that do not meet the above requirements.

1. 3. Selection process

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the method for selecting individual consultants described in the World Bank's "Procurement Regulations." An interview session may be organized with a short list of pre-selected candidates. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. The best candidate at the end of the interview will be selected for contract negotiations.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The ARAA reserves the right to cancel this recruitment process if necessary.

1. 4. Request for additional information

Interested consultants may obtain further information by writing to the following email addresses:procurement@araa.org cc:ctienon@araa.org ;Lbarnabo@araa.org with the subject line " SCI35-Recruitment Coordinator -FSRP."