FAO Representative (FAOR)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) 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, led by FAO Representatives (FAORs), play a crucial role in delivering on programmatic priorities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for managing the FAO country program, office, resources, and staff in Yerevan, Armenia. This position requires the FAOR to report to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative and work closely with the Regional Leadership Team. The FAOR is tasked with leading FAO's response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges, advocating for actions that accelerate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role involves developing and operationalizing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) derived from the UNSDCF, ensuring effective representation of FAO in national and international forums, and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders to mobilize resources for agrifood systems transformation. The FAOR is also responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of programs, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, and managing the office's personnel and financial resources effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR has a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including representing FAO towards national authorities and stakeholders, advocating for FAO's policy positions, and facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources. The FAOR is expected to lead emergency response preparedness and coordination, develop the CPF and Country Work Plan in consultation with national stakeholders, and analyze the country situation to provide updates on key events and trends. Additionally, the FAOR will build partnerships with governments, donors, and NGOs, mobilize extrabudgetary resources, and ensure effective program implementation and monitoring. The role also involves managing the Country Office, ensuring the safety and security of personnel, and promoting staff development and welfare while adhering to FAO's ethical standards and policies.

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 (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary. Leadership competencies such as results focus, engaging and empowering others, effective communication, and strategic thinking are essential for this role.

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

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience, particularly in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs. Experience in managing country field programs from design to delivery, including emergency and recovery programs, is essential. The role also requires demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and negotiating with national governments and intergovernmental organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). Additionally, intermediate knowledge of Russian is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing the FAO Country Office in Yerevan. The FAOR will be expected to lead and manage the office's operations, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and effective use of resources. The role also includes a focus on gender equality and environmental sustainability, aligning with FAO's Corporate Environmental Policy and Gender Equality Policy. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements and leadership competencies outlined in the job description.