Field Office Coordinator (FOC)

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 is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and operates in over 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 includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving nutrition, and enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations. In South Sudan, FAO has been actively involved in various projects aimed at improving food security and agricultural productivity, operating through multiple field offices across the country.

Job Overview:
The Field Office Coordinator (FOC) is a senior managerial position within the FAO South Sudan office, responsible for overseeing the implementation of projects and ensuring effective programmatic and operational coverage throughout the country. The FOC will represent FAO's mandates and strategic objectives at the state level, working closely with various stakeholders, including government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and local communities. The role requires strong leadership and management skills to ensure prompt service delivery and effective coordination of activities. The FOC will be tasked with managing field office operations, ensuring compliance with FAO policies, and supporting the development of national staff capacity. This position is critical for enhancing the impact of FAO's interventions in the region, particularly in the areas of food security and livelihood support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FOC will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with key stakeholders; coordinating day-to-day field activities in collaboration with FAO’s program units; leading the Food Security and Livelihood Cluster activities; ensuring compliance with health, safety, and security protocols; managing supply chain support and financial resources; supervising personnel at the field office; preparing detailed annual work plans; providing programmatic and technical support; conducting regular field visits; monitoring project implementation; ensuring gender and protection perspectives are incorporated; preparing reports and technical specifications; organizing donor meetings; conducting emergency needs assessments; identifying challenges and proposing solutions; and performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Project Management, Economics, International Development, Rural Development, Social Science, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in project management, particularly in complex projects related to livelihood diversification and food security in fragile or conflict-affected states, is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English at level C and demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships. Technical skills in planning, organizing, and reporting on work, as well as knowledge of UN systems and procedures, are advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Project Management, Economics, International Development, Rural Development, or Social Science is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of project management and the socio-economic factors affecting food security and agricultural development in South Sudan.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in project management, particularly in complex projects focused on livelihood diversification and food security. Experience in fragile or conflict-affected states is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the UN system and procedures. Demonstrated experience in community-based development and participatory approaches is also beneficial.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having at least limited knowledge of a second FAO language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in one of the various field offices of FAO South Sudan, with travel to field locations as required. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing both personnel and project implementation. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a complex and dynamic environment, particularly in a country facing humanitarian crises. The FAO offers competitive compensation and benefits, although specific details regarding contract duration and other benefits are not provided in the job description.