Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. With a presence in over 130 countries, FAO assists governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to reduce hunger and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable development of agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. FAO Country Offices play a crucial role in implementing field projects, supporting disaster recovery, and serving as a liaison between FAO headquarters and national partners.

Job Purpose

The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) provides essential programme development, coordination, and operational assistance within the FAO Representation in Sao Tome and Principe. This role is critical for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of technical and operational support for the Representation's programme and project activities. The incumbent will liaise with government authorities and local institutions, promote FAO's mandate and activities, and contribute to the development of national frameworks like the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF).

Responsibilities

The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will liaise with government authorities and local, national, and international institutions, representing FAO at inter-agency meetings as needed. The role involves promoting FAO's image through advocacy and communication tools, and supporting the implementation of FAO's regulatory frameworks. Key functions include coordinating the collection and maintenance of country data on food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and monitoring national policies affecting the agricultural sector. The position requires participation in producing policy studies, developing country-level frameworks, and identifying, formulating, and preparing programme and project proposals. Monitoring project implementation, identifying operational constraints, and proposing corrective measures are also essential. Furthermore, the role includes briefing, training, and supervising programme staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and accuracy of work.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience in the public or private sector related to programming, planning, technical cooperation in food and agriculture, or project implementation within FAO's areas of activity in the country is necessary.

Skills

Required skills include proficiency in French and Portuguese (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of English (Level B). Demonstrated experience in programme/project development and management, understanding of UN/FAO operational guidelines, policy analysis in food security and rural development, data collection on agricultural sectors, and experience in project formulation and implementation are essential.

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