FAO Representative (FAOR)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations 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 sufficient high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization works closely with governments to develop 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 play a crucial role in implementing field projects, assisting governments in disaster prevention and recovery, and raising public awareness about food security issues.

Job Overview:
The FAO Representative (FAOR) is responsible for managing the FAO country program, office, resources, and staff in Cotonou, Benin. The FAOR reports to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative and collaborates with the Regional Leadership Team, providing leadership on food security and agricultural policy. The FAOR is expected to advocate for FAO's policy positions, facilitate access to FAO's knowledge resources, and lead emergency response efforts in coordination with national authorities and the UN Country Team. The role involves developing and operationalizing the Country Programming Framework (CPF) in alignment with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The FAOR must effectively represent FAO in the country, enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders and ensuring the successful implementation of FAO programs and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FAOR's key functions include representing FAO towards national authorities and stakeholders, advocating for FAO's policy positions, and facilitating access to FAO's resources. The FAOR leads emergency response preparedness and coordination, develops the CPF and Country Work Plan, and advises on country priorities. The role also involves building partnerships, mobilizing resources, and ensuring effective program implementation and monitoring. The FAOR is responsible for managing the Country Office, overseeing personnel and financial resources, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, and promoting staff development and welfare. The FAOR must also address operational risks and maintain the reliability of financial information while ensuring adherence to FAO's ethical standards and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree 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 programs is required. Proficiency in English and French is mandatory, with a working knowledge of both languages at level C. Candidates should demonstrate experience in developing and managing country field programs, coordinating technical cooperation projects, and resource mobilization. Experience in negotiating with national governments and intergovernmental organizations is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a field related to FAO's activities, such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development, is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of food security and agricultural development, as well as for effectively engaging with stakeholders in these sectors.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in the planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programs. This experience should include work in various locations and areas, particularly in field positions that involve programmatic areas and fostering government relationships. Demonstrated experience in managing technical cooperation projects, including emergency and recovery programs, is also necessary.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position, with candidates expected to have a working knowledge of both languages at level C. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with national authorities, stakeholders, and partners in the region. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify a deadline for applications, nor does it mention the contract duration or seniority level. However, it is implied that the position is full-time and involves international recruitment, given the nature of FAO's operations. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.