Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)
Sanaa
- Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- Location: Sanaa
- Grade: Mid level - NO-D, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
- Closing Date: 2025-11-13
IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments
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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality
• People with disabilities are protected from any type of discrimination during any stage of employment, including the recruitment phase
• 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
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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'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.
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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
• AFAORs 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 ten 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
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• Staff members in this category are recruited locally and paid according to a local salary scale. Salary scales are reviewed periodically on the basis of comprehensive surveys of the best prevailing conditions of employment in the locality.
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link\: https\://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
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
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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
• 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
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help, or have queries, please contact\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.