Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO Country Office in Pakistan, which is headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist the Federal and provincial governments in developing policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use the environmental and natural resources sustainably.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Reporting Lines

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

Technical Focus

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

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

• 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

• Leads the formulation and implementation of a policy programme of the Country Office, including the development of knowledge products and organization of policy dialogues.

• Ensures high-quality standards of the programme implementation, fosters harmonization of technical standards across the FAO Programme in Pakistan and ensures realization of the result-based deliverables.

• Aligns the FAO Country Programme with the country's priorities, UNSDCF, FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and FAO Country Programming Framework of Pakistan and oversees and monitors its implementation.

• Reviews and suggests improved work streams and processes to better organize and bring efficiency in the FAO programme management at the country level.

• Guides the investment opportunities in the food and agriculture sector of Pakistan in line with the investment approaches of FAO.

• Advises to better position the FAO Programme in the country alongside resource partners, UN sister agencies/programs, peers, and governmental agencies to develop partnerships and promote ideas to advance the Organization's work and achieve the common goals.

• Advises on the implementation of ongoing projects specifically contributing to the work planning, identification of any obstacles and helping to find suitable alternative options.

• Develops and maintains strong collaboration with the government institutions on issues related to the agriculture and food systems approach.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of the country of assignment.

• Advanced university degree 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.

• Five 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 (proficient - level C) of English and the local language (Urdu).

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Team Work

• Communication

• Building effective relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management in the domain of food and agriculture.

• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis and advocacy relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development.

• Proven ability to establish excellent working relationships within and outside the Organization and liaise with officials from government and other institutions.

Assistant FAO Representatives shall be granted fixed-term appointments for such period or periods as the Organization may determine and having an expiration date specified in the letter of appointment or extension. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total length of service shall not exceed five years. Appointments, including extensions, do not carry any expectation of renewal or of conversion to another type of appointment. However, this does not preclude the incumbents from applying to other positions in the Organization.