FAO Representative

UN Atlas; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The FAO Representative (FAOR) leads FAO's engagement in South Africa, aligning its efforts with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The role involves advocating for SDG realization, mobilizing resources, and overseeing the FAO Country Office to ensure effective delivery of programmes.

The ideal candidate has an advanced degree, at least ten years in planning and evaluation of field programmes, and strong experience in partnerships, governance, and humanitarian

Qualifications

• Experience in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programmes.
• Experience coordinating technical cooperation projects and programmes.
• Strong skills in resource mobilization and designing collaborative networks.
• Ability to engage with governments, donors, and partners at national and international levels.
• Working knowledge of English; knowledge of another FAO official language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Represent and advocate for FAO's work with national authorities, partners, and media.
• Lead development and operationalization of the Country Programming Framework (CPF).
• Build and strengthen partnerships with governments, donors, civil society and organizations.
• Ensure effective programme and project implementation, monitoring, and reporting; manage resources and risks.
• Oversee country office governance, personnel, and financial management in line with policies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy advocacy

Partnership development

Resource mobilization

Negotiation

Programme management

Education

Advanced university degree (relevant field)

Job description

Organizational context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and technical assistance, fostering partnerships and resource mobilization to support sustainable agrifood systems. They work in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and FAO's Strategic Framework, ensuring effective operations and accountability at the country level.

Job purpose: The FAO Representative (FAOR) leads FAO's engagement in the country, aligning its efforts with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The role involves advocating for SDG realization, leading FAO's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and managing the FAO Country Office. Key responsibilities include representing FAO, developing and implementing the Country Programming Framework, building partnerships, mobilizing resources, overseeing programme implementation, and ensuring effective management of office resources and personnel.

Responsibilities: Represent and advocate for FAO's work with national authorities, partners, and stakeholders, including media engagement and public awareness campaigns. Lead the development and operationalization of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) derived from the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), including situation analysis and contributions to UN common planning. Build and strengthen partnerships with governments, donors, civil society, and other organizations, and lead country-level resource mobilization efforts. Ensure effective programme and project implementation, monitoring, and reporting, acting as a budget holder and addressing risks proactively. Effectively manage the Country Office, personnel, and financial resources, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, security standards, and ethical guidelines, while promoting staff development and sustainability initiatives.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development. A working knowledge of English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required.

Work experience: A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programmes. Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.

Skills: Proven experience in developing and managing country field programmes from design to delivery, including project identification, formulation, analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing technical cooperation projects and programmes, including emergency and recovery initiatives. Strong skills in resource mobilization, negotiating with national governments and institutions, and designing collaborative networks and joint programmes are essential.

Required languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

Desired languages: