Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations. The FAO mission is to work toward the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone as stated in the 2030 Agenda. FAO’s Strategic Framework aspires to transform agri-food systems so that they are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The ultimate goals of these efforts include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed with the Government in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. Specifically, FAO Country Offices: (i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO's mandate; (ii) (iii) (iv) (iv) provide technical assistance and deliver core services; assist and catalyze partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Tonga, Nuku’alofa.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator reports to the Subregional Coordinator, in the Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in collaboration with SAP module leaders.

Technical Focus

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

Tasks and responsibilities

• Liaise and assist 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.
• Promote 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.
• Coordinate 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 monitors changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Participate 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).
• Participate in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals; 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; identifie inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, propose corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
• Brief, train and supervise lower grade level programme affiliate personnel regarding all aspects of the job; ensure adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Lead the Programme Unit and oversee the implementation of projects and programmes to ensure that FAO's initiatives in the country achieve their targeted outcomes.
• Participate in formulating and implementing the national Resource Mobilization Strategy, support fundraising through engagement with local donors, and provide support in design of new project proposals as required.
• Strengthen collaboration with private sector partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to expand partnership and cooperation opportunities.
• Promote and support the integration of gender perspectives throughout the programme cycle, ensuring gender equality is embedded from project planning to completion.
• Offer policy and technical advice to government counterparts on agricultural development and food systems strategies when needed.
• Provide guidance on reporting, documentation, and compliance with FAO procedures to programme staff and contribute to capacity building.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO 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
• At least five years of relevant experience in 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 of English
• National of Tonga

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION