Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development, aligning with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. They also facilitate partnerships and resource mobilization to strengthen impact at the country level.

Job Purpose

The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will provide programme development, coordination, and operational assistance, leveraging knowledge of local conditions, culture, language, and institutions. The role is crucial for ensuring effective and efficient coordination and delivery of technical and operational support for the FAO Representation's programme and project activities. This includes liaising with government authorities and institutions, promoting FAO's mandate and activities, coordinating country data collection, and contributing to policy studies and development frameworks. The position also involves participating in project identification, formulation, and monitoring, and supervising programme staff.

Responsibilities

Leads the Programme Unit, overseeing project and programme implementation to achieve targeted outcomes. Participates in formulating and implementing the national Resource Mobilization Strategy, supports fundraising with local donors, and assists in designing new project proposals. Strengthens collaboration with private sector partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to expand partnership opportunities. Promotes and supports the integration of gender perspectives throughout the programme cycle, ensuring gender equality is embedded from planning to completion. Offers policy and technical advice to government counterparts on agricultural development and food systems strategies. Provides guidance on reporting, documentation, and compliance with FAO procedures to programme staff and contributes to capacity building.

Work Experience

Requires three years of relevant experience with a Master's degree or equivalent, or five years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Experience should be in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, or project implementation within FAO's areas of activity in the country.

Skills

Demonstrated experience in programme/project development and management. Understanding of FAO's technical programmes, operational guidelines, and project management procedures. Experience in policy analysis related to food security, agriculture, and rural development. Experience in collecting country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries. Proven ability in identifying, formulating, preparing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing programme and project proposals.

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