FAO Representative (FAOR)

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 195 Members, including 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, led by FAO Representatives (FAORs), play a crucial role in implementing field projects, supporting disaster management, and facilitating partnerships with various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for managing the FAO country program, office, resources, and staff in Paraguay. The FAOR reports to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative and collaborates closely with the Regional Leadership Team, ensuring alignment with FAO's strategic objectives. The role involves leading FAO's response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges, advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The FAOR is expected to represent FAO in national forums, engage with stakeholders, and facilitate access to FAO's knowledge resources, while also leading emergency response efforts and mobilizing resources for program implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's duties include representing FAO to national authorities and stakeholders, advocating for FAO's policy positions, and facilitating access to knowledge resources. The FAOR will lead the development of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the Country Work Plan (CWP), ensuring alignment with national priorities and the UNSDCF. Responsibilities also encompass building partnerships, mobilizing resources, and overseeing program implementation and monitoring. The FAOR will manage the Country Office, ensuring effective use of human and financial resources, compliance with corporate policies, and adherence to security protocols. Additionally, the FAOR will promote staff development, implement anti-fraud controls, and enhance the reliability of financial information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs is required. Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory, with a working knowledge of other languages considered an asset. Leadership competencies such as results focus, communication, and strategic thinking are essential, along with technical skills in managing country field programs and negotiating with governments and organizations.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in areas related to FAO's activities, including but not limited to agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in planning, formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs. Experience in managing technical cooperation projects, including emergency and recovery programs, is essential. The ability to work in diverse locations and foster government relationships is also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for engaging with stakeholders and representing FAO's interests.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Asuncion, Paraguay. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements and competencies outlined in the job description. The FAOR will be expected to lead initiatives under FAO's Corporate Environmental Policy and contribute to the organization's sustainability goals. The role may involve international collaboration and resource mobilization efforts.