FAO Representative (FAOR)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat 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 enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has 195 Members, including 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 play a crucial role in implementing field projects, assessing disaster impacts, and supporting public awareness campaigns, among other activities.

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for managing the FAO country program, office, resources, and staff in Syria. The FAOR reports to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative and collaborates closely with the Regional Leadership Team, ensuring alignment with FAO's strategic objectives. The role involves leading FAO's response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges, advocating for 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 to support the organization's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's duties include representing FAO to national authorities and stakeholders, advocating for FAO's policy positions, facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources, and providing leadership on food security and agriculture policy. The FAOR is responsible for emergency response coordination, developing the Country Programming Framework (CPF), and leading the analysis of the country situation. Additionally, the FAOR must build partnerships with governments, donors, and NGOs, mobilize resources, and ensure effective program implementation and monitoring. The role also involves managing the Country Office, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, and overseeing the safety and security of FAO personnel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, rural development, environmental sciences, social and economic sciences, or veterinary science. A minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating field programs is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and Arabic, with additional knowledge of another FAO official language being an asset. Technical skills in managing country field programs, resource mobilization, and negotiating with governments and organizations are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in areas related to FAO's activities, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, rural development, environmental sciences, social and economic sciences, or veterinary science. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience, particularly in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs. Experience in managing technical cooperation projects, especially in emergency and recovery contexts, is essential. The ability to work in multiple locations and foster government relationships is also important, as is experience in resource mobilization and negotiating with national governments and intergovernmental organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language such as Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish would be considered an important asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, and involves significant responsibilities in managing the FAO Country Office. Candidates should be prepared for a role that requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex humanitarian and development challenges. The FAOR will be expected to work closely with various stakeholders, including government authorities, NGOs, and international organizations, to achieve FAO's objectives in the region. The role may involve travel within the country and potentially to other regions as needed.