FAO Representative (FAOR)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 Members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on assisting governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition, enhancing agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors, and promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources. FAO Country Offices, led by FAO Representatives (FAORs), play a crucial role in implementing field projects, supporting disaster management, and facilitating collaboration with various stakeholders including governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations.

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for managing the FAO country program, office, resources, and staff in Lesotho. Reporting to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative, the FAOR works closely with the Regional Leadership Team and is supported by technical, administrative, and operational staff from the Regional/Subregional Office and headquarters. The FAOR's role includes leading FAO's response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges, advocating for actions that accelerate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensuring effective representation of FAO in the country. The FAOR is also tasked with developing and operationalizing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This position requires a proactive approach to building partnerships, mobilizing resources, and implementing programs that address food security and agricultural policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's duties and responsibilities encompass a wide range of functions, including:

• Representing and advocating for FAO's work towards national authorities, partners, and stakeholders, while implementing a proactive communications strategy to raise awareness of FAO's initiatives.
• Leading emergency response preparedness and coordination at the country level, collaborating with government and UN teams.
• Developing and operationalizing the CPF and Country Work Plan (CWP) in consultation with national stakeholders.
• Analyzing the country situation and providing updates on key events and trends.
• Building partnerships and mobilizing resources to support the CPF and UNSDCF.
• Ensuring effective management and monitoring of programs in compliance with corporate policies.
• Managing the Country Office, including personnel and financial resources, while ensuring adherence to security policies and ethical standards.
• Promoting staff development and welfare, and implementing controls to mitigate operational risks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. Additionally, a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (level B) is also mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate extensive experience in developing and managing country field programs, coordinating technical cooperation projects, and negotiating with national governments and intergovernmental organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in areas related to FAO's activities, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural policies, as well as for effectively managing programs and projects within the FAO framework.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is essential. The candidate must also have a proven track record in resource mobilization and managing technical cooperation projects, including emergency and recovery programs.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a working knowledge (level C) required. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Maseru, Lesotho. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined, and the role involves significant responsibilities in managing the FAO Country Office and ensuring effective collaboration with various partners. The FAOR is expected to uphold FAO's ethical standards and promote gender parity within the organization. The position may involve travel and engagement with international stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships to achieve FAO's mission.