Deputy FAO Representative, FAO Afghanistan

Dec 28, 2020 | Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
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The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The FAO Representation in Afghanistan is responsible for leading FAO's response to priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning, and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the country. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in Afghanistan and, in collaboration with Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the departments and divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to the country priorities. The representation also supports the Regional Office in the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the country, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The office also develops and maintains relations with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, UN agencies, the resource partners and other development institution at the country level.

The Deputy FAO Representative (Deputy FAOR) heads the Programme Management Unit and the Emergency and Resilience Unit in the Representation and as delegated by the FAOR is responsible for the overall programme implementation including providing guidance and oversight of the administration and operations units, and day-to-day coordination and monitoring of programme development, resource mobilization and reporting.

Reporting Lines

The Deputy FAOR reports to the FAO Representative with the functional guidance from the Senior Field Programme Officer and the Programme Officer (FAOR Network) in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the Office for Emergency and Resilience (OER) at headquarters. He/she collaborates with the relevant technical units at headquarters, the relevant government institutions, UN agencies and other development partners.

Technical Focus

Planning, organizing, coordinating and reporting to the FAO Representative on programme development, implementation and monitoring, resources mobilization as well as office management in line with FAO rules, regulations and procedures.

Key Results

Leadership and technical expertise in coordinating the planning, implementation of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and reporting focusing on key results in line with the results matrix of the CPF in accordance with and derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) process and related FAO programmes and projects.

Key Functions

  • As delegated by the FAOR represents FAO and liaises with senior government officials, UN agencies, humanitarian and development partners and beneficiaries on country programme implementation and delivery;
  • Coordinates the identification of policy implications and monitors relevant policy environment issues for the implementation of FAO's agricultural disaster-preparedness, response, transition and development strategies;
  • Promotes effective integration of developmental and emergency-relief and rehabilitation programmes into a comprehensive country programme;
  • Facilitates and supports the development of (i) the FAO CPF; (ii) FAO's contributions to United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UN joint programmes and Country Common Analysis (CCA); and (iii) the FAO country field programme from design through delivery, ensuring their alignment with the country's development priorities, FAO's Strategic Framework, UNSDCF and programming assistance of other development partners and recipients;
  • Provides leadership in developing and introducing risk reduction policies and practices in agriculture, forestry and fisheries in disaster-prone countries;
  • Coordinates timely needs assessments for effective livelihood responses to food security crises in the case of natural or human-induced disasters, including participation in food security cluster;
  • Develops and promotes resource mobilization strategy for the country and contributes to fund mobilization efforts through liaison with the donor community in the country;
  • Coordinates the preparation of briefs and comprehensive reports on FAO priorities and the field programme in the country and ensures the timely dissemination of information to the Government, donor community, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
  • Facilitates the effective collection and dissemination of information, in the framework of the knowledge management activities of the Organization and contributes to the development and delivery of effective communication, advocacy and partnership strategies;
  • Supports the FAOR in management of the country office's human and financial resources, including the implementation of field security and safety policies for staff;
  • Performs other duties as required.

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced university degree in an area related to the activities of the Organization, e.g. agriculture, forestry, fishery, rural development;
  • Ten years of relevant experience in planning, formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of field programmes;
  • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish.;

Competencies

  • Results Focus
  • Leading, Engaging and Empowering
  • Communication
  • Partnering and Advocating
  • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
  • Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential.
  • Extent and relevance of experience in developing and managing country field programmes from design to delivery (programme/project identification, formulation, analysis, planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation);
  • Extent and relevance of experience in the coordination and/or management of technical cooperation projects and programmes, including emergency, recovery and rehabilitation related programmes;
  • Demonstrated experience UN consolidated appeal process, humanitarian response management and coordination for Level 3 emergencies;
  • Extent of knowledge of humanitarian architecture, humanitarian financing, including direct experience with humanitarian pooled-funds;
  • Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization;
  • Extent and relevance of experience in negotiating and cooperating with national governments, intergovernmental organizations and other institutions as well as in designing collaborative networks and joint programmes;
  • Working knowledge of other FAO languages is considered a strong asset.

Leadership Competencies

Results focus: Takes accountability for the delivery of agreed results in service of FAO’s strategic framework - Leading, engaging and empowering others: Coordinates, directs, facilitates and recognizes team efforts; creates an enabling environment and assists others to realize and develop their potential - Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication - Partnering and Advocating: Promotes ideas and develops partnerships to advance the Organization’s work - Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement: Continually seeks to improve the knowledge, skills and work processes of oneself and others - Strategic thinking: Makes informed and coherent decisions aligned with broader goals and strategies.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for all and Integrity and Transparency.

General Information

  • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

  • Dependency allowances
  • Rental subsidy
  • Education grant for children
  • Home leave travel
  • 30 working days of annual leave per year
  • Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
  • International health insurance; optional life insurance
  • Disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization.

This includes:

  • elements of family-friendly policies
  • flexible working arrangements
  • standards of conduct.

How to Apply

  • To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.
  • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile;
  • Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application;
  • Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
  • Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications;
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered;
  • Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered;
  • We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.