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's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees worldwide. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, focusing on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition.

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) plays a crucial role in the FAO Representation in Liberia, which is responsible for liaising between FAO and the Government of Liberia. This position involves providing technical and operational support for the development and implementation of FAO's programmes and projects in the country. The Assistant FAO Representative will coordinate with various stakeholders, including government authorities and local institutions, to ensure that FAO's activities align with national priorities and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The role requires a deep understanding of local conditions, culture, and institutions, as well as the ability to effectively communicate and advocate for FAO's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Liaising with government authorities and local, national, and international institutions to facilitate FAO's activities in the country and represent FAO at interagency meetings as required.
• Promoting the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate and activities, including the development and maintenance of communication tools such as websites and press releases.
• Coordinating the collection 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).
• Identifying, formulating, and preparing programme and project proposals, monitoring implementation, and proposing corrective measures as necessary.
• Briefing, training, and supervising lower-grade programme staff to ensure adherence to procedures and accuracy of work.
• Monitoring and facilitating deadlines on key deliverables and overseeing project implementation to ensure result-based deliverables.
• Contributing to the development of the country's Resource Mobilization Strategy and liaising with the donor community.
• Promoting partnerships with the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations. 1
• Providing operational and administrative support to ensure effective workflows and advising government institutions on agriculture and food systems issues as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a national of the country of assignment (Liberia).
• Hold an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration, international relations, 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 an area of FAO's activities in the country.
• Possess a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and the local language.

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, business administration, management, international relations, or any other field relevant to the work of the FAO. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and the policies that govern them.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in either the public or private sectors. This experience should be related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture, as well as project implementation in areas aligned with FAO's activities. The experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of the operational guidelines and project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the local language. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of FAO's programmes and projects in Liberia.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Monrovia, Liberia, and is a full-time role. The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government institutions, local communities, and international partners. The role may involve travel within the country to oversee project implementation and to liaise with different entities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and the specific terms of employment for this position.