Deputy FAO Representative

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. Founded in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 members, comprising 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 play a crucial role in implementing field projects, liaising with local donors, and providing technical assistance to governments.

Job Overview:
The Deputy FAO Representative is a pivotal role within the FAO Country Office, responsible for leading the Programme Management Unit and overseeing the implementation of various programs. This position entails providing guidance and oversight to the administration and operations units, ensuring effective coordination and monitoring of program development, resource mobilization, and reporting. The Deputy FAO Representative will report directly to the FAO Representative (FAOR) and will work closely with senior officials from relevant government institutions, UN agencies, and other development partners. The role requires a strong focus on planning, organizing, coordinating, and reporting on program development and implementation, ensuring alignment with FAO's rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy FAO Representative will undertake a variety of key functions, including representing FAO and liaising with senior government officials, UN agencies, and development partners regarding country program implementation. The role involves coordinating the identification of policy implications and monitoring relevant policy environment issues for the implementation of FAO's agricultural disaster preparedness and response strategies. The Deputy will facilitate the development of the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) and ensure its alignment with national development priorities. Additionally, the position requires providing leadership in developing risk reduction policies in agriculture, coordinating needs assessments for effective responses to food security crises, and promoting resource mobilization strategies. The Deputy will also be responsible for preparing comprehensive reports on FAO priorities and ensuring timely dissemination of information to stakeholders, managing the Country Office's human and financial resources, and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a field related to FAO's activities, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in planning, formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating field programs is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate proficiency level (level B).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in areas pertinent to the organization's activities. This could encompass disciplines such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, rural development, or related fields that align with FAO's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, particularly in planning, formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating field programs. Experience in managing country field programs from design to delivery is essential, as well as experience in coordinating technical cooperation projects, including those related to emergency, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and negotiating with national governments and inter-governmental organizations is also crucial.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, at an intermediate proficiency level (level B). Having proficiency in more than one FAO official language is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Port Sudan, Sudan, and is likely to be a full-time role. The Deputy FAO Representative will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and development partners, to ensure effective program implementation. The role may involve international collaboration and could require travel to different locations as part of the responsibilities. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the hiring process.