Organizational Setting

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. FAO Bangladesh also works to address the most critical livelihoods of communities affected by natural disasters through emergency lifesaving agricultural interventions and disaster risk management.
Since the influx of Rohingya Refugees in 2017, FAO Bangladesh established a Sub Office in Cox’s Bazar, to meaningfully contribute to the Joint response Plan (JRP) through includes activities related to climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) including fisheries supply chain development, natural resource management (NRM) disaster risk reduction (DRR), emergency preparedness and resilience strengthening.
The FAO Representation in Bangladesh is organized around three main units: Programme, Operations and Administration and has a sub-office in Cox’s Bazar actively engaged in the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Refugee Response. The current portfolio of projects in Cox Bazar includes activities related to climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management (NRM) and disaster risk reduction, and fisheries supply chain development as well as emergency preparedness and resilience strengthening.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and in close collaboration with the Deputy FAO Representative and the Assistant FAO Representative Programmes (AFAORP), and with technical support from relevant colleagues in RAP and OER to undertake the following tasks:

Technical Focus

The incumbent will contribute to the country programme portfolio as foreseen in the Country Programme Framework (CPF) country wide, and more specifically the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the evolving context and needs of the Cox’s Bazar programming.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Lead, provide strategic guidance and manage FAO’s programme and activities in Cox’s Bazar, in particular emergency agriculture and livelihood support, natural resource management, disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and resilience activities in Cox Bazaar.
•    Ensure FAO capacity and readiness to lead and/or participate in preparedness and response actions, including rapid needs assessments, mitigation actions, Anticipatory Action planning, and humanitarian response actions specific to agricultural livelihoods in liaison and collaboration with the Food Security Sector;
•    Lead the development and positioning of FAO’s contribution to inter-agency Joint/Humanitarian Response Plans (J/HRPs) and Flash Appeals;
•    Represent FAO in interagency coordination meetings and programming exercises undertaken by the humanitarian and early recovery community, as led by the Inter-Sectoral Coordination Group (ISCG);
•    Coordinate with government partners at the district level including the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC), District Commissioner, District Forestry Office, Department of Agriculture Extension, and other relevant government partners;
•    Establish and maintain regular contacts with donors, and ensure the provision of updated information on FAO assessments, response plans, and activities;
•    Ensure FAO preparedness, readiness and meaningful contribution to high level mission in Cox’s Bazar including government, donor and UN visits;
•    Maintain regular communication and coordination with the Country Office to ensure consistent messaging throughout the agency, and coordinate closely with the Dhaka-based Emergency and Resilience Unit (ERU) to ensure coherence regarding emergency and resilience actions at national, district and local levels;
•    Lead and coordinate the formulation of concept notes, fully-fledged project proposals and ad ‘hoc reports related to individual projects and FAO’s Resilience Strategy implementation;
•    Promote and ensure a conducive working environment for the FAO Cox’s Bazaar Office and provide support and guidance for the professional growth of the staff,
•    Participate in, and contribute to, Senior/Chief Technical Advisor meetings, and Management and Coordination Team meetings as well as any relevant meeting called for by the management as requested;
•    Oversee reviews of budgets, Letters of Agreement, service contracts and other commitments.
•    Lead and monitor operational activities related to letters of agreement, procurement, personnel contracts, official correspondence, travel authorizations and security clearances when required including the implementation of field security and safety policies for staff to ensure timely project delivery;
•    Contribute to the development and implementation of the Resource Mobilization Strategy, including through strong donor liaison at both district and country level in close collaboration with the FAOR;
•    Oversee and report regularly on programme performance through sharing of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Unit reports and recommendations to Senior Management;
•    Ensure development of high-quality, regular communication and reporting materials with support of OER, RAP and CO technical support teams;
•    Organize the preparation of briefs, regular updates, comprehensive reports and advocacy materials, with support from the CO technical support teams, OER, RAP as required, on FAO priorities and programmes in the country and ensure the timely dissemination of information to key stakeholders, including the Government, donor community, United Nations agencies and NGOs;
•    Ensure all possible steps are taken to protect the safety and wellbeing of FAO personnel posted in Cox’s Bazar in accordance with FAO and UN system safety and security protocols,
•    Perform any other related tasks as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    University degree in International Development, Agricultural discipline, Natural Resource Management, Disaster Risk Management, or closely related area,
•    At least 5 years of experience relevant to the assignment with a focus on project coordination/management and implementation, particularly in areas of agriculture, integrated natural resource management and/or emergency,
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Demonstrated results-based management capabilities with an ability to manage programmes, budgets and human resources efficiently.
•    Relevant experience in programme implementation and managing of sub office.
•    Ability to develop plans for the implementation and coordination of project operations in developing countries, in partnership with UN agencies and other concerned stakeholders and/or partners.
•    Familiarity with UN administrative policies and procedures.
•    Ability to mobilize resources.
•    Ability to build and maintain professional networks across different institutions.
•    Previous experience with the United Nations or other international development organizations preferred but not required.