Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations 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 focuses on providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development to countries, ensuring that operations align with international standards of accountability. FAO Country Offices advocate for policies and investments in food and agriculture, provide technical assistance, and mobilize resources to support agrifood systems transformation, all while ensuring effective and efficient operations.

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) plays a crucial role in the FAO Representation in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This position involves providing effective and efficient coordination and operational support for the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation. The role requires a deep understanding of local conditions, culture, language, and institutions to facilitate the development and implementation of FAO's initiatives. The Assistant FAO Representative will liaise with government authorities and various institutions, represent FAO at interagency meetings, and promote the organization's mandate and activities. The position also entails collecting and maintaining data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, as well as participating in the formulation of programme and project proposals, ensuring that all operational activities align with established work plans and project documents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including:

• Liaising with and assisting government authorities and local, national, and international institutions in areas related to FAO's activities, and representing FAO at interagency meetings as required.
• Promoting the image of FAO through advocacy of the organization's mandate and programs, including the development and maintenance of communication tools such as websites, press releases, and publications.
• Coordinating the collection, consolidation, and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, and monitoring changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Participating in the production of technical, economic, and policy studies, and developing country-level frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF).
• Identifying, formulating, and preparing programme and project proposals, monitoring and reviewing the status of implementation, and proposing corrective measures when necessary.
• Briefing, training, and supervising lower-grade programme staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and accuracy in work provided.
• Performing other duties as required to support the overall objectives of the FAO Representation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a national of the Dominican Republic.
• Hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, or a related field.
• Have at least three years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, or project implementation in areas relevant to FAO's activities.
• Possess a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Spanish and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, or any other area related to the work of the FAO. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of food security, agricultural practices, and rural development initiatives.

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. Experience in project implementation within the context of FAO's activities is also crucial. Additionally, work experience in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's understanding of diverse agricultural practices and policies.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of Spanish at proficiency level C. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge of English at level B. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local authorities, stakeholders, and international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and is likely to be a full-time role. The FAO emphasizes the importance of building effective relationships and knowledge sharing, which are critical competencies for this position. The organization may also offer various benefits and opportunities for professional development, although specific details regarding compensation and contract duration are not provided in the job description.