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's mission is 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 providing policy advice and support to countries in the areas of food and agriculture, facilitated through partnerships and resources. FAO Country Offices work to deliver technical assistance, develop capacities, and ensure accountability in operations, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) plays a crucial role in the FAO Representation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, reporting directly to the FAO Representative (FAOR). This position is centered around programme development, coordination, and operational assistance, leveraging knowledge of local conditions, culture, language, and institutions. The key results expected from this role include effective coordination and provision of technical and operational support for the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation. The Assistant FAO Representative will be responsible for liaising with government authorities and various institutions, promoting FAO's image, coordinating data collection on food and agriculture, and participating in the formulation of programme proposals. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure that all operational activities align with the work plan and project documents, while also identifying and addressing any inconsistencies or delays in implementation.

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

• Liaising with and assisting government authorities and local, national, and international institutions in areas related to FAO's activities, representing FAO at interagency meetings as required.
• Promoting FAO's image through advocacy of the organization's mandate and activities, including the development of communication tools such as websites and press releases.
• 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) and the UNSDCF.
• Identifying, formulating, and preparing programme and project proposals, monitoring implementation status, and proposing corrective measures as necessary.
• Briefing, training, and supervising lower-grade programme staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and accuracy of work.
• Advocating for FAO's mandate and aligning with national priorities, ensuring active government participation in FAO-led initiatives.
• Contributing to the preparation of operational and programme reports for various stakeholders, including the Government and FAO headquarters.
• Managing the Programme Unit to ensure compliance with FAO's project cycle regulations and effective monitoring. 1
• Representing FAO at national and international meetings and consultations as required.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for this position include:

• Nationality of Tajikistan.
• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) 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.
• 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 areas of FAO's activities.
• Proficiency in English and Tajik (working knowledge at level C).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration and management, international relations, or other relevant areas related to FAO's work.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in either public or private sectors, specifically in programming, planning, and technical cooperation related to food and agriculture, or in project implementation within FAO's areas of activity. Experience in field positions and in more than one location or area of work is desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Tajik is mandatory, with a working knowledge at level C. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and the private sector, to ensure effective programme delivery and alignment with national priorities. The role may involve travel within the country and participation in national and international meetings.