FAO Representative in Botswana

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices, headed by FAO Representatives (FAORs), assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition, while also promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) in Botswana is responsible for managing and being accountable for the FAO country program, office, resources, and staff. The FAOR reports to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative and works closely with the Regional Leadership Team, supported by technical, administrative, and operational staff from the Regional/Subregional Office and headquarters. The FAOR plays a crucial role in leading FAO's response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges, advocating for action to accelerate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The position involves developing and maintaining collaboration with the host government and other key stakeholders on development and humanitarian issues, ensuring effective representation of FAO in national forums, and facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources and global public goods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's duties include representing FAO towards national authorities and stakeholders, advocating for FAO's policy positions, supporting UN joint communication efforts, and facilitating access to FAO's resources. The FAOR is responsible for developing and operationalizing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), leading the analysis of the country situation, and advising national government authorities on FAO's mandate. Additionally, the FAOR is tasked with building partnerships and mobilizing resources, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring of programs, managing the Country Office and its personnel, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies and procedures. The FAOR must also oversee the security and safety of FAO personnel, promote staff development, and implement effective controls to mitigate operational risks.

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. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (intermediate proficiency - 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 related to the activities of the Organization, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs. Experience in managing country field programs from design to delivery is essential, as well as experience in coordinating and managing technical cooperation projects and programs, including emergency, recovery, and rehabilitation-related programs. Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and negotiating with national governments and intergovernmental organizations is also required.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) required. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing the FAO Country Office in Botswana. The FAOR will be expected to lead and manage the office effectively, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and administrative procedures. The role also requires a commitment to promoting gender equality and adhering to FAO's ethical standards, including zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment. The FAOR will be involved in strategic planning and resource mobilization efforts, working closely with various stakeholders to achieve the organization's objectives.