Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Setting

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
FAO Yemen, with support from the Regional Office for Near East and North Africa (FAO-RNE) and SP5/PSE in FAO headquarters, is leading the implementation of variety of projects related to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries to restore rural livelihoods while addressing the underlying causes of the current crisis. Since 2021, FAO has been implementing the \"Food Security Response and Resilience (FSRRP) in Yemen\" project, which is financed by the Work Bank. With assistance from IFAD, FAO and Special Fund for Development (SFD) have been collaborating to carry out the \"Rural Livelihoods Development Project (RLDP)\". With funding from the European Union (EU) and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), FAO has been implementing a three-year cooperative program called \"Supporting Resilient Livelihoods and Food Security in Yemen (ERRY III)\" in collaboration with UNDP, ILO, and WFP. Food Security Response and Resilience (FSRRP) in Yemen\" project aims to combat extreme hunger in Yemen and provide rural families with sustainable food security opportunities. FAO has been implementing programs over the last two years to enhance the nutritional quality of vulnerable rural households, boost the production and market share of livestock, fish products, and nutrient-dense crops, as well as to build capacity for managing food security and climate resilience. The Agricultural Officer will work for the FSRRP project, and his/her main role will be to lead, in the context of the project, the sustainable crop production intensification. This requires the integration and harmonization of appropriate crop production and protection policies and practices within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at enhancing productivity; natural resources conservation and management; rural livelihoods and resilience

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Sana'a, Yemen.

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. Management and provision of the full range of technical and operational tasks in support of the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation in the agriculture and food systems including forestry, fisheries, nutrition.

Key Results

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

Key Functions

•     Participates in policy dialogue and advises government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and with other UN agencies. Represents FAO at interagency meetings.
•     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 and manages the maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems, monitors and communicates changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
•     Takes lead 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).
•     Identifies, formulates and coordinates the preparation of programme and project proposals; monitors of FAO field programme implementation and project execution modalities, ensuring all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; and makes recommendations to the FAOR on how to improve results and increase efficiency.
•     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

•     Monitors and facilitates meeting deadlines on key deliverables, project results and main targets.
•     Oversees project and programme implementation to ensure the result-based deliverables of FAO projects and programme in the country.
•     Participates in the development and promotion of the country Resource Mobilization Strategy and contributes to fund mobilization efforts through liaison with the donor community in the country; and formulates pipeline projects as appropriate.
•     Provides guidance to the national team in the formulation of the FAO Communication Strategy for Yemen.
•     Promotes relationship with the private sector, academia and the civil society organization to increase partnership.
•     Oversees and provides guidance for operational and administrative support ensuring that effective workflows are in place.
•     Assists in advising government institutions on issues related to agriculture and food systems approach as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     National of Yemen.
•     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. 
•     Seven 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 Arabic and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of English.

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     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 or FAO.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development OR 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.
•     Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is considered an asset.