Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN 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 is committed to environmental sustainability and works towards transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and delivering technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability. The FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Kyrgyzstan outlines strategic priorities aimed at promoting equitable access to quality social services, fostering inclusive green socioeconomic development, and supporting gender-transformative approaches to climate action and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) plays a crucial role in the FAO Representation in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, reporting directly to the FAO Representative (FAOR). This position focuses on 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 programme and project activities. The Assistant FAO Representative will liaise with government authorities and local institutions, promote FAO's image, coordinate data collection on food and agriculture, and participate in the development of technical studies and country-level frameworks. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing operational challenges, ensuring adherence to procedures, and supervising lower-grade programme staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) has a diverse set of responsibilities, including: liaising with government authorities and local institutions to support FAO's activities; promoting FAO's mandate and programmes; coordinating the collection and maintenance of country data on food and agriculture; participating in the development of technical studies and country frameworks; monitoring programme/project implementation; briefing and supervising lower-grade staff; providing information to government authorities on food and agriculture; overseeing programme activities to ensure timely delivery; coordinating managerial actions for project implementation; contributing to annual reports; identifying and mitigating programme risks; coordinating the implementation of FAO's work plan on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA); facilitating capacity-building initiatives; supporting grievance redress mechanisms; and advising the FAOR on strategic issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: be a national of Kyrgyzstan; possess 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 a related field; have three years of relevant experience in public or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture; and have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English, Russian, and Kyrgyz.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields related to agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration and management, international relations, or any other relevant area. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food and agriculture systems and for effectively contributing to FAO's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in either the public or private sectors, specifically in areas related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture. This experience should include project implementation in areas aligned with FAO's activities, demonstrating a solid understanding of the operational and technical aspects of agricultural development.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English, Russian, and Kyrgyz, with a proficiency level of C required. This multilingual capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government authorities, local institutions, and international partners. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate the dissemination of information and the implementation of FAO's programmes.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and is likely to be a full-time role. The Assistant FAO Representative will be involved in various aspects of programme management and development, including capacity-building initiatives and compliance with FAO's global strategies. The role may also involve participation in interagency meetings and contributions to UN reports, emphasizing the collaborative nature of FAO's work within the broader UN framework.