Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on assisting governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition. FAO Country Offices, headed by FAO Representatives, play a crucial role in implementing field projects, supporting disaster recovery in the agricultural sector, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) is responsible for providing effective and efficient coordination and operational support for the FAO Representation in Tonga. This position involves liaising with government authorities and local, national, and international institutions to promote FAO's activities and represent the organization at interagency meetings. The role requires a deep understanding of local conditions, culture, and institutions to effectively assist in program development and implementation. The Assistant FAO Representative will also be involved in public awareness campaigns, data collection on food and agriculture, and the formulation of project proposals. The position demands a proactive approach to monitoring the agricultural sector and ensuring that FAO's initiatives align with national priorities and strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) include:

• Liaising with government authorities and local institutions to facilitate FAO's activities and represent the organization at interagency meetings.
• Promoting FAO's image through advocacy and communication tools, ensuring adherence to FAO's regulatory framework.
• Coordinating the collection and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, and monitoring changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Participating in the production of technical, economic, and policy studies, and developing country-level frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF).
• Identifying, formulating, and preparing program and project proposals, monitoring implementation, and proposing corrective measures as necessary.
• Briefing, training, and supervising lower-grade program staff to ensure adherence to procedures and accuracy of work.
• Leading the Programme Unit and overseeing project implementation to achieve targeted outcomes.
• Supporting fundraising efforts and strengthening collaboration with private sector partners and civil society organizations.
• Promoting gender equality throughout the program cycle and providing policy and technical advice to government counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a national of the country of assignment (Tonga).
• Hold an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration, international relations, or a related field.
• Have three years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities. Alternatively, candidates with a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) and five years of relevant experience will also be considered.
• Possess a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and Tongan.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes either an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration, or international relations. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) is acceptable if accompanied by five years of relevant experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree must have five years of relevant experience to qualify for the role.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of both English and Tongan. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, and is expected to be a full-time role. The Assistant FAO Representative will work closely with various stakeholders, including government authorities, local institutions, and international partners, to ensure the successful implementation of FAO's programs and initiatives in the country. The role may involve travel within the country and participation in regional meetings and conferences.