Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Armenia is responsible for leading FAO’s response to the national priorities for food security, agriculture and food systems including forestry and fisheries in the country. The Country Programme Framework (CPF) agreed between the Government of Armenia and FAO defines the response to the priorities. FAO in Armenia is an integral part of the United Nations Country Team in Armenia and contributes through the CPF to the United National Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). FAO Armenia works in close collaboration with the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and relevant headquarters divisions in the implementation of the CPF including the private sector, academia and the civil society organizations.

The FAO Office in Armenia is under the multi-accreditation scheme of FAO and the FAO Representative for Armenia is the Regional Programme Leader for Europe and Central Asia residing in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Budapest, Hungary.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Yerevan, Armenia.

Reporting Lines

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

Technical Focus

Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on knowledge of local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment. Management and provision of the full range of technical and operational tasks in support of the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation in the agriculture and food systems including forestry, fisheries, nutrition.

Key Results

Effective and efficient coordination and provision of technical and operational support of 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 Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). • 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

• Monitors and facilitates meeting deadlines on key deliverables, project results and main targets. • Oversees project and programme implementation to ensure the result-based deliverables of FAO projects and programme in the country. • Participates in the development and promotion of the country Resource Mobilization Strategy and contributes to fund mobilization efforts through liaison with the donor community in the country; and formulates pipeline projects as appropriate. • Provides guidance to the national team in the formulation of the FAO Communication Strategy for Armenia. • Promotes relationship with the private sector, academia and the civil society organization to increase partnership. • Oversees and provides guidance for operational and administrative support ensuring that effective workflows are in place. • Assists in advising government institutions on issues related to agriculture and food systems approach as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of the country of assignment. • 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 Armenian.

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. • Extent and experience in liaison and communication work with stakeholders either from government, private sector and civil society. • Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, • 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.