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. FAO operates in over 130 countries, assisting governments in developing policies, programmes, and projects to enhance food security, reduce malnutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. The FAO Country Offices play a crucial role in implementing field projects, supporting disaster recovery, conducting public awareness campaigns, and serving as a vital link between FAO headquarters and national partners.

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 key to 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 image and mandate, coordinating country data collection, and contributing to policy studies and development frameworks. The position also involves participating in project formulation, monitoring implementation, and providing guidance and training to programme staff.

Responsibilities

The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will lead the Programme Unit, overseeing project and programme implementation to ensure FAO's initiatives achieve targeted outcomes. Responsibilities include participating in the formulation and implementation of the national Resource Mobilization Strategy, supporting fundraising efforts with local donors, and assisting in the design of new project proposals. The role involves strengthening collaboration with private sector partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to expand partnership opportunities. Additionally, the position will promote and support the integration of gender perspectives throughout the programme cycle, offer policy and technical advice to government counterparts on agricultural development and food systems, and provide guidance on reporting, documentation, and compliance with FAO procedures, contributing to staff capacity building.

Work Experience

Requires three years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities. Alternatively, five years of experience is required with a Bachelor's degree. Experience should be in programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture or project implementation.

Skills

Key skills include extensive and relevant experience in programme/project development and management, a demonstrated understanding of FAO's technical programmes and operational guidelines, and experience in policy analysis related to food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development. Experience in collecting country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries is essential. Proficiency is also required in identifying, formulating, preparing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing programme and project proposals.

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