Subregional Coordinator for West Africa and FAO Representative in Senegal

Job Posting Organization:
The Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW) and FAO Representation in Senegal (SNG) is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies and projects aimed at transforming food, agriculture, and rural development. Established to enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and improve nutrition, the FAO operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and rural development. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts across West Africa, ensuring that the region's agricultural policies align with global standards and practices. The office is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, including food insecurity and malnutrition.

Job Overview:
The Subregional Coordinator for West Africa (SFW) and FAO Representative in Senegal (SNG) is a pivotal role that involves leading multidisciplinary technical teams in the subregion and the Country Office. This position is responsible for guiding FAO's response to subregional priorities in alignment with the FAO's Strategic Framework for 2022-203

• The coordinator is accountable for all FAO activities within the subregion and represents the organization in Senegal. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including national governments and international organizations, to ensure that FAO's support aligns with national priorities. The coordinator will also contribute to the preparation of Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and ensure effective collaboration with economic integration organizations and UN-system entities. This position demands a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to mobilize resources effectively to address pressing issues such as food insecurity and malnutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Subregional Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Oversight of FAO strategic planning and program development in the Subregion and country of representation, leading analysis and dialogue on subregional priorities, advising on corporate policies, and ensuring timely technical support for UN common planning frameworks.
• Program implementation and monitoring, supporting member countries in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, coordinating technical backstopping for FAO programs, and undertaking regular reporting on subregional programs.
• Leadership on knowledge management, facilitating access to FAO's knowledge resources, leading policy dialogues, and acting as the spokesperson for FAO in the country and subregion.
• Management of human and financial resources, ensuring effective use of resources, managing security matters for personnel, and contributing to strategic leadership decisions.
• Establishing partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders, advocating for FAO's policy positions, and supporting UN joint communication efforts.
• Performing other duties as required to support the organization's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a technical area relevant to the work of the FAO. They should have a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in program development and management, particularly in fields related to FAO's mandate, including experience at the international level. Demonstrated professional competence, proven leadership capabilities, and effective management skills are essential. Candidates should also have extensive experience in partnerships with inter-governmental and international organizations, national governments, and various stakeholders, including civil society and private sector organizations. The ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team in an international setting is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a technical area related to the work of the FAO. This could encompass fields such as agricultural sciences, rural development, food security, or related disciplines that align with the organization's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of twelve years in relevant fields. This experience should include program development and management, particularly in areas related to FAO's mandate. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership and management in international settings, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and French, with proficiency at level C in both languages. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse cultural contexts of the subregion. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve international recruitment. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job description but are typically aligned with UN standards. The role may also involve travel within the subregion and engagement with various stakeholders, necessitating flexibility and adaptability.