FAO Representative (FAOR)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) established to lead international efforts to combat hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on assisting governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition, enhancing agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors, and promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources. FAO Country Offices, led by FAO Representatives (FAORs), play a crucial role in implementing field projects, liaising with local donors, and providing technical assistance to governments.

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for managing the FAO country program, office, resources, and staff in Islamabad, Pakistan. Reporting to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR), the FAOR works closely with the Regional Leadership Team and is supported by technical, administrative, and operational staff from regional and headquarters offices. The FAOR's role includes leading FAO's response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges, advocating for actions to accelerate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The FAOR is expected to effectively represent FAO in the country, develop partnerships with key stakeholders, and mobilize resources for program implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's key functions include representing and advocating for FAO's work towards national authorities and stakeholders, facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources, providing leadership on food security and agriculture policy, and leading emergency response preparedness and coordination. The FAOR is responsible for developing and operationalizing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) derived from the UNSDCF, analyzing the country situation, and advising on national priorities. Additionally, the FAOR builds partnerships and mobilizes resources, ensuring effective collaboration with governments, donors, and civil society organizations. The role also involves overseeing program implementation and monitoring, managing the Country Office, personnel, and financial resources, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. A minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate technical and functional skills, including experience in managing country field programs, coordinating technical cooperation projects, and resource mobilization.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in areas related to FAO's activities, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least twelve years of relevant experience, particularly in planning, formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating field programs. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is essential. The candidate's experience should encompass both programmatic areas and fostering relationships with government entities.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The FAOR will be responsible for managing the Country Office and ensuring the effective use of human and financial resources. The role requires adherence to UN security policies and FAO's ethical standards, including zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment. The FAOR will also be expected to promote staff development and welfare, ensuring a supportive work environment.