FAO Representative

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 grown to include 195 members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, focusing on achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability, which is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, and aims to leave no one behind in its efforts to improve production, nutrition, and the environment.

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) plays a crucial role in managing and leading the FAO Country Office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This position is responsible for overseeing 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, ensuring that FAO's contributions align with national priorities and sustainable development challenges. The FAOR is tasked with advocating for FAO's policy positions, facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources, and leading emergency response efforts at the country level. The role also involves developing and operationalizing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), ensuring that FAO's initiatives are effectively integrated into national development strategies. The FAOR is expected to build partnerships, mobilize resources, and ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of FAO programmes, while also managing the office and its personnel efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's duties and responsibilities include representing FAO towards national authorities and stakeholders, advocating for FAO's policy positions, and facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources. The FAOR leads emergency response preparedness and coordination, develops the CPF and Country Work Plan in consultation with national stakeholders, and contributes to UN common planning frameworks. The role requires building partnerships with governments, donors, and NGOs, mobilizing resources, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies in programme implementation. The FAOR is responsible for managing the Country Office, ensuring the effective use of human and financial resources, and promoting staff development and welfare. Additionally, the FAOR must address operational risks, maintain financial integrity, and promote gender equality within the organization.

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, effective communication, and the ability to engage and empower others. Technical and functional skills in managing country field programmes, resource mobilization, and negotiating with national governments and intergovernmental organizations are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in areas related to the activities of the FAO, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of food security and sustainable agricultural practices, as well as for effectively leading and managing FAO's initiatives in the country.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programmes. Experience in managing technical cooperation projects, including emergency and rehabilitation programmes, is essential. The role requires a proven track record of developing and managing country field programmes from design to delivery, as well as experience in negotiating and collaborating with national governments and other stakeholders.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, and the role may involve international recruitment. The FAOR is expected to uphold FAO's ethical standards and policies, including those related to gender equality and the prevention of sexual abuse and harassment. The FAO promotes a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, and candidates should be prepared to contribute to these initiatives.