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 has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably.

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) plays a crucial role in supporting the FAO Representation in Abuja, Nigeria. This position involves a range of normative, operational, and programming tasks that are essential for the successful implementation of FAO's activities in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. The incumbent will work independently while applying their knowledge of local socio-economic conditions, culture, language, and institutions. The role requires effective management and coordination of technical and operational support for various programs and projects, ensuring that they align with FAO's objectives and the needs of the country. The Assistant FAO Representative will also engage with government authorities and other stakeholders to promote FAO's mandate and facilitate collaboration among different agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) include:

• Liaising with and assisting government authorities and local, national, and international institutions in areas related to FAO's activities, representing FAO at interagency meetings as required.
• Promoting the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate and programs, including the development and maintenance of communication tools such as websites, press releases, and publications.
• Coordinating the collection, consolidation, 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 development frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Identifying, formulating, and preparing program and project proposals, monitoring and reviewing the status of implementation, and proposing corrective measures as necessary.
• Briefing, training, and supervising lower-grade program staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and accuracy in work.
• Performing other duties as required to support the FAO Representation's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be a national of Nigeria.
• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration and management, international relations, or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning, and technical cooperation in food and agriculture and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country.
• Proficiency in English (working knowledge - level C).

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 and management, international relations, or any other relevant field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food security, agricultural development, and the operational frameworks of the FAO.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five 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 pertinent to FAO's activities. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in managing programs and projects effectively, with a focus on achieving results in the agricultural sector.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English (working knowledge - level C). Additionally, it is desirable for candidates to have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one or more local languages such as Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba, which would enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Assistant FAO Representatives are granted fixed-term appointments for a specified period, with a maximum total length of service not exceeding five years. These appointments do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to another type of appointment, although incumbents may apply for other positions within the Organization. The role is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government authorities and international organizations.