FAO Representative in Togo

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. Founded in 1945, FAO's mission is 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 focuses on providing policy advice and support to countries in areas related to food and agriculture, facilitated through partnerships and resources. FAO Country Offices work to deliver technical assistance, develop capacities, and ensure accountability in operations, aligning their efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) in Togo is responsible for managing the FAO country programme, office, resources, and staff. 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, supported by technical, administrative, and operational staff from regional and headquarters offices. The FAOR plays a crucial role in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and contributes to the UN Country Team (UNCT) efforts. The position requires leading FAO's response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges, advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensuring effective collaboration with national authorities and stakeholders. The FAOR is expected to develop and operationalize the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and lead resource mobilization efforts to support agrifood systems transformation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR has several key functions, including representing and advocating for FAO's work towards national authorities and stakeholders, supporting UN joint communication efforts, and facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources. The FAOR leads emergency response preparedness and coordination at the country level, develops the CPF and Country Work Plan (CWP), and advises on country priorities. The role also involves building partnerships, mobilizing resources, and ensuring effective programme implementation and monitoring. The FAOR is responsible for managing the Country Office, personnel, and financial resources, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, and promoting staff development and welfare. Additionally, the FAOR must address operational risks and maintain the reliability of financial and non-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 programmes is required. Candidates should demonstrate leadership competencies, including results focus, communication skills, and the ability to engage and empower others. Knowledge sharing, strategic thinking, and technical/functional skills in managing country field programmes and negotiating with national governments are also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field related to FAO's activities is mandatory. This includes disciplines such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development, which are critical 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, formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating agricultural and rural development programmes. Experience in managing technical cooperation projects, including emergency and recovery programmes, is essential. The ability to work in diverse locations and foster relationships with government entities is also crucial.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in these languages is essential for collaboration with national authorities and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing the FAO Country Office in Togo. Candidates should be prepared for a role that requires both strategic leadership and operational management. The FAOR will be expected to ensure compliance with UN security policies and promote gender equality within the organization. The role may involve travel within the country and to other regions as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities effectively.