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 help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees worldwide, working towards achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and sustainable agricultural practices globally.

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) plays a crucial role in the FAO Representation in Port Sudan, reporting directly to the FAO Representative (FAOR). This position is focused on programme development and management, providing coordination and operational support that is informed by the local conditions, culture, language, and institutions of Sudan. The role is integral to ensuring effective and efficient management of the technical and operational support for the FAO's programme and project activities. The Assistant FAO Representative is expected to engage in policy dialogue, advise government authorities, and represent FAO at interagency meetings, thereby promoting the organization's image and advocating for its mandate and activities. This position requires a proactive approach to managing country data related to food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, as well as monitoring national policies that impact the agricultural sector. The Assistant FAO Representative will also lead the production of technical studies and development frameworks, coordinate project proposals, and ensure adherence to operational activities in line with established work plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) include participating in policy dialogue and advising government authorities and local, national, and international institutions on FAO's activities. The role involves representing FAO at interagency meetings and promoting the organization's image through advocacy and communication tools. The Assistant will coordinate the maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, and monitor changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector. Additionally, the position requires leading the production of technical, economic, and policy studies, developing country-level development frameworks, and coordinating the preparation of programme and project proposals. The Assistant will also monitor the implementation of FAO field programmes, ensure operational activities align with project documents, and provide recommendations for improving results and efficiency. Training and supervising lower-grade programme staff is also a key responsibility, ensuring adherence to procedures and accuracy in work provided.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of Sudan and 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, management, international relations, or any other relevant field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, as well as project implementation in areas aligned with FAO's activities, is required. Proficiency in both English and Arabic at a working knowledge level (level C) is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration, management, international relations, or any other field related to the work of the FAO. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food security, agricultural practices, and the socio-economic factors influencing rural development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the public and/or private sectors, specifically in programming, planning, and technical cooperation related to food and agriculture. Candidates should have experience in project implementation within the context of FAO's activities, demonstrating a strong understanding of the operational guidelines and project management procedures typically adopted by the United Nations or FAO.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, with both languages required at a working knowledge level (level C). This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local authorities, stakeholders, and international partners.

Additional Notes:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will be granted a fixed-term appointment for a specified period, with the total length of service not exceeding ten years. Appointments do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to another type of appointment, although incumbents may apply for other positions within the organization. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing and coordinating FAO's programme and project activities in Sudan.