Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed with the Government in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)        advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO's mandate.
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
(iii)    assist and catalyze partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation.
(iv)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in China based in Beijing, China.

Reporting Lines

The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR).

Technical Focus

Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on knowledge of local conditions, culture, language and institutions of the country of assignment.

Key Results

Effective and efficient coordination and provision of technical and operational support of programme and project activities of the FAO Representation.

Key Functions

•     Liaises and assists government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and with other UN agencies. He/she may represent FAO at interagency meetings as required.
•     Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications, and supports the implementation of FAO's regulatory framework (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country.
•     Coordinates the collection, consolidation and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems, and monitors changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
•     Participates in producing technical, economic and policy studies as required and developing country level development frameworks, such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
•     Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals; monitors and reviews the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
•     Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
•     Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

•     Collaborates with the country to enhance its contribution to the international development agenda, within the framework of FAO's South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). 
•     Promotes and advocates the FAO's mandate, programmes and flagship initiatives, aligning with national priorities and programmes; communicates FAO's knowledge, resources, and expertise to government counterparts, and other stakeholders in the fields of food security, nutrition, and agriculture; ensures active government participation in FAO-led programme-related UN Country Team (UNCT) meetings and inter-agency working groups, as required, and participates in project task forces, technical meetings, and consultations with government counterparts on behalf of the FAOR and Country Office.
•     Contributes to the formulation of programme and project proposals, coordinating inputs from the Regional Office,FAO Headquarters, the Host Government, the private sector, research institutions, and rural communities.
•     Prepares analytical and situational reports on FAO operations, donor financing, and governance issues in agriculture and related sectors, as requested by the Government or other stakeholders
•     Guides the investment opportunities in the food and agriculture sector of China in line with the investment approaches of FAO.
•     Supports to Gender, Disability Inclusive, and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) initiatives/actions.
•     Performs other related duties to ensure effective programme/project development, management and implementation.
    

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     National of China.
•     Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, natural resources, rural development, business administration and management, international relations or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
•     Three years of relevant experience in public and/or private sectors related to programming, planning and technical cooperation in food and agriculture and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country.
•   Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Chinese and English.

Competencies

Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building effective relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management.
•     Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations (UN) or FAO.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agricultureand rural development.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and review.