Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Mbabane, Eswatini.

Reporting Lines

The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR).

Technical Focus

Programme development and management, coordination and operational support based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.

Key Results

Effective and efficient management and coordination of the technical and operational support of the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation.

Key Functions

• Advises and liaises with government authorities, local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities and other UN agencies. Represents FAO at interagency meetings; • Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including the coordination of development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications; provides FAO's information, knowledge and resources to government, NGOs, the private sector and other local entities on food, nutrition and agriculture situations; and supports the implementation of FAO's regulatory frameworks (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country; • Coordinates and manages the maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems and monitor and communicate changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector; • Produces technical, economic and policy studies as required and participates in the development of country level development frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF); • Identifies, formulates and prepares programme and project proposals, monitors and reviews the status of the programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and submits proposals to the FAOR on how to improve results and increase efficiency; • Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job. Ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements and accuracy and diligence of the work provided. • Performs other duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of the country of assignment. • Advanced university degree in in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration and management, international relations or any other field related to the work of the Organization. • Five years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning and technical cooperation in food and agriculture and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country. • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English. • Working knowledge of the local language (if not English).

Competencies

• Results Focus • Team Work • Communication • Building effective relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management. • Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO. • Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development OR extent and relevance of' experience in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries. • Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review.