FAO Representative in Timor-Leste

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and livelihoods, leaving no one behind. This commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to FAO's strategic objectives and operations. The position is based in the FAO Representation in Timor-Leste, Dili, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework.

Job Purpose

The FAO Representative (FAOR) leads FAO's engagement with national priorities and sustainable development challenges to advance the 2030 Agenda and accelerate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role involves leading FAO's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) and developing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) aligned with national priorities and FAO's Strategic Framework. The FAOR is responsible for effectively managing the FAO Country Office, representing FAO to national authorities, partners, and stakeholders, and fostering collaboration on development and humanitarian issues. This includes advocating FAO's policy positions, leading emergency response preparedness, and mobilizing resources to support country-level initiatives.

Responsibilities

The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for leading and managing the FAO Country Office, ensuring efficient use of human and financial resources in compliance with corporate policies and administrative procedures. This includes overseeing programme implementation and monitoring, ensuring adherence to corporate norms and standards, and acting as a budget holder for national projects. The FAOR leads the development and operationalization of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) derived from the UNSDCF, analyzing country situations, and contributing to UN common planning frameworks. Key responsibilities also include representing FAO, advocating its policy positions, and implementing proactive communication strategies. The FAOR builds and maintains partnerships with governments, donors, civil society, and other organizations, and leads country-level resource mobilization efforts. Additionally, the role involves managing security and safety for FAO personnel, upholding ethical standards, promoting staff development, and implementing controls to mitigate operational and financial risks. The FAOR also promotes initiatives under FAO's Corporate Environmental Policy.

Work Experience

Ten years of relevant experience in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programmes. Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential. This includes experience in programmatic areas and fostering government relationships. Experience in developing and managing country field programmes from design to delivery, and in coordinating/managing technical cooperation projects and programmes, including emergency, recovery, and rehabilitation initiatives, is also required.

Skills

Proven ability to lead and manage country field programmes from design to delivery, including project identification, formulation, analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing technical cooperation projects and programmes, including emergency, recovery, and rehabilitation initiatives. Strong resource mobilization capabilities and experience in negotiating and cooperating with national governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other institutions. Experience in designing collaborative networks and joint programmes is essential. Proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) are required.

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