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 responsible for 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.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Representative (DRR) plays a crucial role in supporting 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. The DRR is expected to contribute to strategic planning and foresight by assisting in the formulation of a clear vision and regional strategic direction, ensuring that programmatic planning aligns with the needs and priorities of the region. The DRR will also coordinate the preparation of progress reports for FAO Governing Bodies, manage the Decentralized Offices network, and promote effective regional partnerships and advocacy strategies. This position requires a proactive approach to operational diligence, risk management, and accountability, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to achieve the Organization's goals. The DRR will also support human resource management, fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and teamwork within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the ADG/RR in strategic planning and foresight, contributing to the formulation of regional strategic direction and programmatic planning.
• Coordinate and oversee the preparation of progress reports to FAO Governing Bodies on the implementation of programs and activities in the region.
• Manage and provide oversight for the Decentralized Offices network, ensuring alignment of resources with the regional strategy.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships and advocacy strategies to promote FAO's goals in the region.
• Support the implementation of UN Development System reforms and ensure alignment of FAO's activities with ongoing initiatives.
• Oversee operational diligence and risk management, ensuring effective use of funds and resources.
• Manage human resources, ensuring effective workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management.
• Collaborate with senior officers in resource mobilization efforts to support regional programs and projects.
• Represent FAO in international and regional forums, advocating for the Organization's mission and goals. 1
• Perform additional functions as assigned by the ADG/RR based on regional needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, public policy, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, engineering, veterinary, or economics.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant managerial and professional experience in fields related to FAO's mandate, including international experience.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective programs and initiatives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a field relevant to the work of the Organization. This could include disciplines such as social sciences, public policy or administration, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, engineering, veterinary science, economics, or other related areas. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of food security, agriculture, and rural development.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant managerial and professional experience. This experience should be in fields related to the mandate of FAO, with a strong emphasis on international experience. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in leadership roles, managing complex programs and initiatives, and working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in Arabic (level C) is highly desirable, reflecting the regional context of the position and the need for effective communication with stakeholders in the Near East and North Africa.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Cairo, Egypt, at the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed against additional criteria as part of the selection process. The FAO promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.