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.
- Closure Date : 15/May/2024, 4:59:00 PM
- Organizational Unit: Regional Office for Africa, RAF
- Job Type : Staff position
- Type of Requisition: Senior-level
- Grade Level: D-1
- Primary Location : Ghana-Accra
- Duration: Fixed term: two years with possibility of extension
- Post Number: 0123196 CCOG Code: 1A11
Organizational Setting
The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices and the Subregional Office for Central Africa (SFC), Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE), Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW), and Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SFS). It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Offices and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization’s strategies through programmes and projects in the region.
The Regional Office (RAF) supports the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at country level, advising Decentralized Offices on corporate priorities as per the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s programme of work and budget.
The Regional Office (RAF) leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization´s programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies, and risks.
The Regional Office (RAF) leads the preparation for the Regional Conferences and Statutory Bodies/Regional Commissions in the region.
The Regional Office (RAF) develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs) and participates in the United Nations Regional Architecture, such as UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development and UN Regional Collaborative Platforms and related mechanisms.
The Regional Office (RAF) delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization´s programme in the region and compliance with the Internal Control Framework (ICF).
The position is located in the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) in Accra, Ghana.
Reporting Lines
The Deputy Regional Representative (DRR) reports to the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) and is a core member of the Regional Leadership Team.
Summary of Duties and Functions
The Deputy Regional Representative (DRR) supports and advises the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) in the overall leadership, management, administration and supervision of the Regional Office, Subregional Office, and Decentralized Office network, helping to ensure prioritized and strategic direction, cross-team collaboration and learning, and a culture of constant improvement and innovation.
In particular:
- Strategic Planning and Foresight: Based on corporate guidance, assists the ADG/RR with the formulation of a clear vision and regional strategic direction and analysis by looking forward to programmatic planning based on needs and priorities of the region; contributes to the preparation of corporate planning and budgetary processes and, in this connection, the formulation of the quarterly budgetary performance reports for the Regional and the Decentralized Offices network, including determination of possible funding allocation and budgetary planning scenarios and presentation of a cohesive and feasible plan of action to implement the regional strategy;
- Governing Body Relations: Coordinates and oversees the preparation of regular progress reports to FAO Governing Bodies on the implementation of the Organization’s programmes and activities in the region. Builds effective collaboration with representatives of Members and senior level authorities in the region, with a view to enabling the Regional Office to fulfil its functions effectively and efficiently as well as achieve the strategic goals defined for the region. Serves as Secretary of the biennial Regional Conference and coordinates the secretariats of other Regional Statutory Governing Bodies (Art IV, XIV etc.);
- Oversight and Management of the Decentralized Offices network in the region: As delegated by the ADG/RR, manages, provides oversight and coordinates the Decentralized Offices network in the region, and the activities of Subregional and Country Offices in the region, and oversees the establishment of an effective business operations support framework that enables an apt ‘alignment’ of resources and capabilities to the regional strategy in order to advance FAO’s mission and mandate, securing the appropriate operating modalities, organizational design and capacities for the delivery of the Organization’s mandate, as well as timely preparation of regional management meetings;
- Strategic Partnership and Advocacy: Assists the ADG/RR in providing strategic guidance to promote effective and sustainable regional partnerships as well as an effective regional communications strategy to advocate the strategic goals of the Organization in the region. Develops and nurtures collaborative, meaningful and transformative partnerships, and engages with senior government officials, peers and stakeholders from United Nations entities, as well as from intergovernmental, public, non-governmental, civil society, academia, research institutions, and the private sectors. Builds networks of collaboration with major multisectoral interlocutors in the broader development community to advance FAO’s mission and goals in the region. Represents FAO and the Regional Office in international and regional forums and presents a compelling vision to the development community of the direction and impact of FAO’s work in the region. Supports the ADG/RR with the review of partnerships due diligence and risk assessment;
- United Nations Inter-agency Coordination and Collaboration: Supports the ADG/RR in implementing the UN Development System (UNDS) repositioning, ensuring alignment of FAO’s activities within the region and in Decentralized Offices with the ongoing UNDS reform. Contributes to guiding the positioning of FAO’s activities within the region in light of the evolving development narrative, the ongoing UN reform initiatives and business operations strategies. Supports the ADG/RR in pushing forward FAO’s active engagement and strategic positioning in the UN Regional Collaborative Platforms and in maintaining relations with UN Sustainable Development entities. Provides support and guidance to Country Offices’ engagement in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework’s (UNSDCFs) planning and programming processes. Builds and facilitates successful working relationships with other partner organizations of the United Nations and promotes joint advocacy strategies with UN partners in support to regional and country level joint fundraising, as well as UN joint programming;
- Operational Diligence, Risk Management and Accountability: Supports the ADG/RR in maintaining a sound system of internal controls. Within the context of FAO’s risk management and accountability framework, oversees the execution of the region’s activities and ensures that the funds and resources be used in a manner that achieves optimum results and value for money, ensuring that risks be appropriately identified, addressed and mitigated, and that funding decisions be implemented on the basis of a credible and transparent prioritization policy. Leads the annual internal control review process for the region as well as oversees and monitors the effective implementation of findings and recommendations emanating from internal and audit exercises and evaluations conducted in the region. Helps to oversee security in the region and proactively suggests strategic adaptations and risk management and guides the formulation of the required business continuity and contingency plans in case of significant disruptive events/periods;
- Leadership and People Management: Supports the ADG/RR, in managing human resources, ensuring the right people with the right skill mix be in place, through effective workforce planning, recruitment, succession, talent development and performance management. Builds on results-based management that assures credibility and value to all stakeholders while optimizing expertise and performance to expand FAO’s impact across the region. Promotes an organizational culture of respect, transparency and trust, encourages teamwork and cross-team collaboration, and ensures active engagement to creating an enabling and inclusive working environment, with care for employee well-being, where employees from all backgrounds can thrive, and diversity targets be met. Sets the tone and ensures awareness of policies related to the prevention of Fraud, Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, Abuse of Authority, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA);
- Resource Mobilization and Programme/Project Performance: Supports the ADG/RR and collaborates with senior officers in defining and implementing a regional strategy for resource mobilization in support of programmes across the region and collaborates in interactions with donor, funding and partnering institutions, engaging in mobilizing the required resources to ensure programme delivery. Ensures effective technical support to monitoring and management oversight of FAO projects and programme performance in the region, including new operational modalities;
- Specific Regional Functions: Specific additional functions may be assigned to the Deputy Regional Representative (DRR) by the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR) on the basis of the region’s needs and context.
- Country Representation: Where applicable and approved by Senior Management and government authorities, the Deputy Regional Representative (DRR) may also serve as the FAO Representative (FAOR) to the host country or other countries in the region, performing relevant duties as necessary.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in an area relevant to the work of the Organization (e.g. social sciences, public policy or administration, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, etc.).
- Minimum twelve (12) years of relevant managerial and professional experience in fields related to the mandate of FAO including experience at international level.
- Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) and a limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of a second official language relevant to the region of assignment is an asset.
Leadership CompetenciesResults 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.• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. CONDITIONS OF SERVICEA 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.htmOther 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 protectionFAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO appliesmeasures 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
• 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.
Selection for this position will follow a transparent and very competitive process which may entail different steps, including submission of written test/essay, different stages of interviews (with managers and high level panel), and a presentation on a given topic relevant to the role.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
• 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 Members and persons 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 FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, 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
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.