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 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 implement field projects, support disaster management, and facilitate 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 South Sudan. 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. This 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 represent FAO in various national forums, engage with stakeholders, and facilitate access to FAO's knowledge resources. The position requires a proactive approach to communication and collaboration with national authorities and partners to advance food security and agricultural policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's key functions include representing and advocating for FAO's work, supporting UN joint communication efforts, leading emergency response coordination, developing and operationalizing the Country Programming Framework (CPF), building partnerships, mobilizing resources, and ensuring effective program implementation and monitoring. Specific duties involve engaging with national authorities, facilitating access to FAO's resources, leading the development of the CPF and Country Work Plan, analyzing country situations, advising on FAO's mandate, and managing the Country Office's human and financial resources. The FAOR is also responsible for ensuring compliance with corporate policies, managing security and safety for FAO personnel, and promoting staff development and welfare.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. A minimum of ten 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 official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate extensive experience in developing and managing country field programs, coordinating technical cooperation projects, and resource mobilization, as well as experience in negotiating with national governments and intergovernmental organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in areas related to FAO's activities such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. This advanced education is essential to understand the complexities of food security and agricultural policies, as well as to effectively engage with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is essential. The candidate should have a proven track record in developing and managing country field programs from design to delivery, including emergency and recovery programs, and should demonstrate experience in resource mobilization and collaboration with national governments and other institutions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and involves significant responsibilities in managing the FAO Country Office. The FAOR will be expected to lead and manage the office effectively, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and promoting a safe and supportive work environment for all personnel. The role may involve international travel and engagement with various stakeholders, including government authorities, NGOs, and other international organizations. The FAOR will also be responsible for ensuring adherence to FAO's ethical standards and policies, including gender parity and prevention of sexual abuse and harassment.