Subregional Coordinator for Central Asia

Job Posting Organization:
The Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC) is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU). Its mission is to develop, promote, oversee, and implement strategies and projects aimed at transforming food, agriculture, and rural development in the Central Asia region. The office is responsible for maintaining relations with subregional institutions and operates with a focus on enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural sustainability. The SEC plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts among various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to address regional challenges in food and agriculture.

Job Overview:
The Subregional Coordinator for Central Asia is a leadership position that involves overseeing multidisciplinary technical teams to address subregional priorities in alignment with FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-3

• The coordinator is accountable for FAO activities in the subregion and represents the organization in the host country, Türkiye, as well as in other countries where FAO does not have a direct representation. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN entities and economic integration organizations, to ensure that national priorities are met through effective programming and resource mobilization. The coordinator will also contribute to the preparation of Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and ensure that FAO's strategic objectives are reflected in regional policies and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Subregional Coordinator will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Oversight of FAO strategic planning and programme development in the subregion, leading analysis and dialogue on priorities, advising internal partners, and ensuring timely technical support for UN common planning frameworks.
• Programme implementation and monitoring, supporting member countries in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, coordinating timely implementation of FAO programmes, and undertaking regular reporting on subregional initiatives.
• Leadership on knowledge management, facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources and leading policy dialogues.
• Management of human and financial resources, ensuring effective use of resources and adherence to UN security policies.
• Establishing partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society, advocating for FAO's policy positions, and supporting joint communication efforts at the subregional level.
• Performing other duties as required to support FAO's mission in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a technical area relevant to the work of the FAO. They should have a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in programme development and management, particularly in fields related to FAO's mandate, including experience at the international level. Demonstrated professional competence, proven leadership capabilities, and effective management skills are essential. Candidates should also have extensive experience in partnerships with various stakeholders, including inter-governmental organizations, national governments, and civil society organizations. The ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team in an international setting is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in a technical area that aligns with the work of the FAO. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food, agriculture, and rural development issues that the organization addresses.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in programme development and management, particularly in areas related to the FAO's mandate. This experience should include work at the international level, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and collaborate with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language, which includes Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Additionally, proficiency in the Russian language (level C) would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with stakeholders in the subregion.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Ankara, Türkiye, and involves significant responsibilities in leadership and management within the FAO framework. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, candidates should be aware of the competitive nature of such positions and apply promptly. The role is likely to be full-time and may involve international collaboration, requiring flexibility and adaptability to work across different cultural contexts.