FAO Representative
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) is dedicated to leading global efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and technical assistance, fostering partnerships and implementing country-specific programmes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. These offices advocate for policies, deliver core services, catalyze resource mobilization, and ensure accountable operations to transform agrifood systems and strengthen impact at the country level.
Job Purpose
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for leading FAO's engagement in the country, aligning its activities with national priorities and sustainable development goals to advance the 2030 Agenda. The FAOR champions FAO's mandate, develops and implements the Country Programming Framework (CPF) in coordination with national stakeholders and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This role involves representing FAO, advocating for its policy positions, facilitating access to knowledge resources, and leading emergency preparedness and response efforts. The FAOR also plays a crucial role in building partnerships, mobilizing extrabudgetary resources, and ensuring effective programme implementation and office management.
Responsibilities
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is accountable for the overall management of the FAO country programme, office, resources, and staff. Key responsibilities include representing FAO to national authorities, partners, and stakeholders, and advocating for FAO's policy positions. The FAOR leads the development and operationalization of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and contributes to UN common planning frameworks like the UNSDCF. This involves analyzing country situations, advising on FAO's mandate issues, and fostering collaborations with governments, donors, civil society, and other international organizations. The FAOR is also responsible for mobilizing extrabudgetary resources, ensuring effective programme and project implementation, monitoring results, and managing office operations, personnel, and financial resources efficiently and accountably. This includes overseeing security, promoting staff development, and implementing risk management and anti-fraud controls.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of relevant experience is required 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. Demonstrated experience in developing and managing country field programmes from design to delivery, coordinating technical cooperation projects, and resource mobilization is also crucial.
Skills
Essential skills include extensive experience in developing and managing country field programmes, from identification and formulation to implementation and evaluation. Proven ability in coordinating and managing technical cooperation projects, including those related to emergency, recovery, and rehabilitation, is vital. Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and in negotiating and cooperating with national governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other institutions is required. The ability to design collaborative networks and joint programmes is also important. Strong leadership competencies in results focus, engaging and empowering others, communication, partnering, advocating, knowledge sharing, and strategic thinking are expected.