Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. Its goal is to ensure people have regular access to sufficient, high-quality food for active, healthy lives. 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 and supporting national development frameworks.
Job Purpose
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) provides crucial programme development, coordination, and operational assistance, leveraging knowledge of local conditions, culture, language, and institutions. This role ensures effective coordination and delivery of technical and operational support for the FAO Representation's programme and project activities. Key responsibilities include liaising with government authorities and institutions, promoting FAO's mandate and activities, coordinating country data collection on food and agriculture, and contributing to policy studies and development frameworks like the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
Responsibilities
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) is responsible for supporting the design and development of innovative agricultural and natural resource management initiatives, and marketing these to donors and stakeholders. This includes ensuring the effective and timely implementation of agricultural programmes to achieve sustainable impact among beneficiary communities. The role also involves contributing to country reporting and documenting 'Best Practices' for donors and stakeholders, demonstrating the quality and impact of programming. Furthermore, the incumbent will coordinate the collection, consolidation, and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, monitoring national policy changes affecting the agricultural sector. They will also participate in producing technical, economic, and policy studies and developing country-level development frameworks.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant experience in the public and/or private sectors is necessary. This experience should be related to programming, planning, technical cooperation in food and agriculture, and/or project implementation within FAO's areas of activity in the country.
Skills
Proficiency in English and Dzongkha (National language of Bhutan) is essential. Demonstrated experience in programme/project development and management is required. A strong understanding of FAO's technical programmes, operational guidelines, and project management procedures is preferred. Experience in policy analysis related to food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development, or in collecting country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries is also valuable. Experience in identifying, formulating, preparing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing programme and project proposals is necessary.