FAO Representative in Botswana

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works globally to promote sustainable agricultural systems, aiming to enhance production, nutrition, and environmental quality as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a principal UN agency tackling hunger, FAO strives to ensure food security for all across its 195 members and over 130 countries.

FAO Country Offices, led by FAO Representatives, support governments in creating policies and projects to reduce hunger and malnutrition while fostering sustainable management of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and natural resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee execution of FAO field projects, initiate new projects, and coordinate with local donors.
• Assist governments in disaster prevention, damage assessment, and rehabilitation of agricultural sectors.
• Implement public awareness campaigns including World Food Day celebrations.
• Support visits and technical missions from FAO headquarters and regional offices.
• Serve as a liaison for FAO services to governments and partners such as NGOs, civil society, and research institutions.
• Monitor national socio-economic developments and agricultural conditions.
• Act as the official FAO representative to national authorities and stakeholders.

Reporting Structure

The FAO Representative reports to the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative and collaborates with regional and headquarters teams. The position involves active participation in the UN Country Team and coordination with the Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Country Team.

Technical Leadership

• Drive FAO’s response to national sustainable development priorities aligned with the 2030 Agenda and FAO’s strategic framework.
• Lead FAO’s input and coordination in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF).

Strategic Functions

• Represent and promote FAO’s mission and programmes to national and international stakeholders.
• Advocate FAO’s policies in national forums and lead communications strategies.
• Provide leadership in food security and agricultural policy within the UN system and lead emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Develop and implement the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and related work plans in line with national priorities and UNSDCF.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with government, donors, NGOs, UN agencies, and other actors to facilitate resource mobilization.
• Ensure effective programme management, monitoring, and reporting in compliance with FAO standards.
• Manage the Country Office’s personnel, financial resources, security, and compliance with corporate policies and ethical standards.
• Lead initiatives advancing gender equality, environmental responsibility, and sustainability within the organization’s operations.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural development, or related fields.
• At least ten years of substantial experience in planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating field programmes.
• Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate proficiency in another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
• Demonstrated leadership abilities including results orientation, team empowerment, effective communication, partnership building, knowledge sharing, and strategic thinking.
• Extensive experience in multi-location program management and government relations.
• Proven track record in resource mobilization and collaborative programme design and implementation.

Terms and Additional Information

• Position is based in Gaborone, Botswana at the FAO Representation office.
• Fixed-term appointment initially for two years with possibility of extension.
• Role grade level: P-5, senior staff position.
• FAO is committed to workforce diversity and upholding ethical standards including zero tolerance policies on sexual abuse and harassment.