Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)

1A021A02

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The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.

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.

Organizational Setting
FAO has been operating in Tajikistan since 1996, the fully-fledged office was opened in May 2016. Currently, the project portfolio of the FAO Representation in Tajikistan (FETAJ) operates using FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) and funds of donor organizations. As of 2022, FETAJ has 14 TCP projects, 5 externally financed projects and 10 regional and global projects covering Tajikistan. The main areas of cooperation are defined in Country Programming Framework, which is being renewed for 2022-2024. Currently, the priorities include enhancing national food and nutritional security and safety, sustainable management of natural resources and improved resilience to climate change, sustainable agricultural productivity and competitiveness. FAO as a technical agency concentrates on providing technical assistance in the form of knowledge transfer, capacity building, demonstration and strategic support. FETAJ is working with the wide range of ministries and government agencies, with the ministry of agriculture being the national coordinator of the Organization. In implementation of its projects, FETAJ relies on partnerships with local NGOs, academic institutions and other local partners. It has also established emergency response operations related to climate change emergencies in rural areas. FAO Tajikistan, located in two offices in Dushanbe, employs by per need basis on average 20 administration personnel and up to 50 consultants to implement its projects. FAO Tajikistan operates in all regions of the country.

Reporting Lines

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

Technical Focus

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

Key Results

Effective and efficient coordination and provision 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 support 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 monitor 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 Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF);
• Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and monitor and review 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, propose 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 and accuracy and diligence of the work provided;
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Provides the management of the programme unit, including development and implementation under project cycle regulations, proper reporting and monitoring using FAO online platforms;
• Organizes and participates, on behalf of the FAOR, in task forces and other meetings, liaises with the government counterparts;
• Prepares analytical and situational reports on FAO operations, donor finance, governance of agriculture and other related sectors in Tajikistan at the request of the government and other entities as deemed necessary;
• Leads preparation of or contributes to operational and programme reports requested by the government, regional or headquarters offices; leads the development of awareness and other materials about FETAJ;
• Contributes to the review and improvement of workflow through review of standard operational procedures (SOPs), performs periodic analysis of the delivery status of the programme;
• As requested, represents the FAO Representation in various meetings, consultations and seminars;
• Performs other tasks related to office management.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Tajikistan
• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries, or any other field related to the work of the Organization
• Two years of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of the official communication language used for FAO communication with the country (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian)
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of the local language (if not English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese)
• Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of English (if the main communication language is French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese)

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Team Work
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.