Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa

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 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, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability and works towards transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa (SRC) plays a crucial role in leading FAO's response to regional priorities related to food security, agriculture, and rural development. The SRC is responsible for overseeing the implementation of FAO's strategic framework and ensuring that the organization's activities align with regional priorities. This position requires a strong focus on collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, to promote and support the development of agrifood systems in the subregion. The SRC will also serve as the FAO Representative to Ethiopia and other countries in the subregion, facilitating effective communication and collaboration with national governments and regional institutions. The role demands a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and management skills to address complex development issues and mobilize resources effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Subregional Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: leading the analysis and dialogue on subregional priorities; advising and collaborating with internal partners to ensure that subregional needs are reflected in corporate policies; providing technical support to FAO components of the United Nations common planning frameworks; leading the mobilization of extrabudgetary resources; supporting Member Nations in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition; coordinating the implementation of FAO programmes and projects; undertaking regular reporting and monitoring of subregional programmes; facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources; managing human and financial resources effectively; ensuring the safety and security of FAO personnel; and establishing partnerships with various stakeholders to advocate for FAO's policy positions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, fishery, forestry, or international relations. A minimum of twelve years of relevant professional experience in development issues and management is required, with a strong emphasis on resource mobilization and familiarity with international financial institutions. Candidates should demonstrate extensive managerial and professional experience in fields related to FAO's mandate, as well as proven leadership capabilities and effective management skills. Experience in partnership with inter-governmental organizations, national governments, and civil society organizations is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as agriculture, fishery, forestry, or international relations is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of food security, nutrition, and sustainable development in the context of the FAO's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of twelve years of relevant professional experience in development issues, management, and resource mobilization. This experience should include familiarity with international financial institutions and global funding mechanisms for agriculture and environmental initiatives. Extensive managerial experience in fields related to FAO's mandate is essential, along with demonstrated leadership capabilities in an international setting.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at a proficient level (level C) is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should have a limited knowledge of another FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate level (level B). This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse contexts in which FAO operates.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and involves significant responsibilities related to strategic planning, programme development, and partnership building. The role requires a full-time commitment and may involve travel within the subregion. Candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including governments, donors, and civil society organizations, to advocate for FAO's initiatives and priorities. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to significant development efforts in Eastern Africa and to play a key role in addressing pressing issues related to food security and sustainable agriculture.