Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 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 FAO Representation in Cambodia is based in Phnom Penh and there are several Offices based in provinces throughout the country.

This position is based in the FAO Representation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Reporting Lines

The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR) and works closely with the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) and the Operations Office.

Technical Focus

Programme development, programme coordination and coherence and programme delivery support and guidance using deep knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of Cambodia.

Key Results

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

Key Functions

• Liaises and assists government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and with other UN agencies. He/she may represent FAO at interagency meetings as required. • Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications, and supports the implementation of FAO's regulatory framework (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country. • Coordinates the collection, consolidation and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems, and monitors changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector. • Participates in producing technical, economic and policy studies as required and developing country level development frameworks, such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF). • Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals; monitors and reviews the status of 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, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints. • Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided. • Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Provides technical advice and liaison support to senior government representatives and representatives of local, national and international institutions in all of the technical areas of FAO's activities in Cambodia. • Supports the normative work of FAO through advocating for the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities, including communicating FAO's information, knowledge and resources to government, NGO, research, private sector and other local entities on food security and nutrition and agriculture situations; ensuring government representatives participate in the activities of FAO. • Ensures the programmatic coherence, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity of FAO Cambodia’s country portfolio and technical programme areas, identifying programmatic areas that could be incorporated and/or improved. • Coordinates and contributes to the production of technical, economic and policy studies as requested. • Participates in programme and results related UN Country Team meetings and working groups. • Identifies, formulates and leads the preparation of programme and project proposals, coordinating the inputs of colleagues at the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) and FAO headquarters, the Royal Government of Cambodia, NGOs, the private sector, research institutions and agriculture communities. • Ensures that the FAO Cambodia Country Annual Report, the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) and other relevant Organizational information systems and reports are updated and/or submitted in a timely manner to a high standard. • Supports FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme development and project implementation and provides technical advice and support to the Royal Government of Cambodia for the development of relevant legislation, policies, action plans and other government strategic documents.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Cambodia. • Advanced university degree 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. • Two 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 and/or French. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of the local language.

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. • 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. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.