Deputy Regional Representative (DRR)

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. The organization has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) is tasked with addressing regional priorities related to food security, agriculture, and rural development, overseeing a network of Country Offices and Subregional Offices, and ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs and projects in the region. FAO's strategic response to regional priorities is developed in collaboration with various offices and divisions at headquarters, aiming to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the organization's goals.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Representative (DRR) plays a crucial role in supporting and advising the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) in the leadership, management, administration, and supervision of the Regional Office and its network of Decentralized Offices. This position is integral to ensuring strategic direction, cross-team collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The DRR is involved in strategic planning and foresight, assisting in the formulation of a clear vision and regional strategic direction based on the needs and priorities of the region. The role includes contributing to corporate planning and budgetary processes, preparing quarterly budgetary performance reports, and coordinating the preparation of progress reports for FAO Governing Bodies. The DRR also manages the Decentralized Offices network, ensuring alignment of resources with the regional strategy, and promotes effective partnerships and advocacy to achieve the strategic goals of the organization. Additionally, the DRR supports UN inter-agency coordination and collaboration, operational diligence, risk management, and accountability, while also focusing on leadership and people management to foster a positive organizational culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Representative (DRR) has a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting the ADG/RR in strategic planning and foresight by formulating a clear vision and regional strategic direction.
• Contributing to corporate planning and budgetary processes, including the preparation of quarterly budgetary performance reports.
• Coordinating and overseeing the preparation of progress reports for FAO Governing Bodies.
• Managing and providing oversight for the Decentralized Offices network in the region, ensuring effective business operations support.
• Promoting strategic partnerships and advocacy to advance FAO's mission and goals in the region.
• Supporting UN inter-agency coordination and collaboration, ensuring alignment with ongoing UN reform initiatives.
• Maintaining a sound system of internal controls and overseeing risk management and accountability frameworks.
• Managing human resources effectively, ensuring the right skill mix and promoting a culture of respect and transparency.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts and collaborating with senior officers to define regional strategies for program delivery. 1
• Performing additional functions as assigned by the ADG/RR based on regional needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, public policy, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, engineering, veterinary science, or economics. Additionally, a minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant managerial and professional experience in areas related to FAO's mandate is required, including experience at the international level. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. They must also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong commitment to the principles of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a field relevant to the work of the FAO. This could encompass a variety of disciplines such as social sciences, public policy or administration, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, engineering, veterinary science, economics, and other related areas. The advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address complex issues related to food security and agricultural development.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant managerial and professional experience. This experience should be in fields that align with FAO's mandate, and it is crucial that a portion of this experience is gained at the international level. The role demands a high level of expertise in strategic planning, program management, and inter-agency collaboration, as well as a demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in Arabic at level C is highly desirable, as it is essential for effective communication within the region and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is located in Cairo, Egypt, at the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in leadership, management, and strategic planning within the context of FAO's mission to combat hunger and promote food security. The position may also involve international collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders, including government officials, UN entities, and civil society organizations.