Organizational Setting

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by a FAO Representative, is to assist governments in developing policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The FAO Hainan Programme Cooperation Office (PCO) is established under the auspices of the FAO Representation in China and operates as an integral part of the FAO Representation. It serves as a joint platform for technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and strategic partnership facilitation between FAO and the Hainan Provincial Government while acting as a key bridge for enhanced cooperation with other leading research institutions based in Hainan and abroad.

The PCO represents a forward-looking partnership linking tropical agriculture innovation, south–south cooperation, and agrifood systems transformation, translating high-level commitments into concrete partnerships, technical cooperation programmes/projects, and policy dialogue.

The position is located in the FAO Representation of China with duty station in Beijing, China, with possible relocation to Sanya, Hainan Province, as may be decided by the Organization.

 

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of FAO Representative (FAOR), the National Professional Officer (Programme) reports to the National Professional Officer (Head of Programme, PCO).

Technical Focus

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

Key Results

Effective and efficient coordination and provision of technical and operational support of the programme and project activities of the FAO Representation.

Key Functions

•    Assists in liaising and cooperating with government authorities and national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and in liaising with other UN agencies.
•    Provides support to promoting the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including development and maintenance of communication tools (e.g. website, press releases and publications) and supports the implementation of FAO's regulatory frameworks (e.g. Codex Alimentarius and Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries) in the country.
•    Collects, consolidates and maintains country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems and participates in monitoring changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
•    Assists with the production of technical, economic and policy studies and assists in the development of country level development frameworks such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
•    Assists in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals and 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; when necessary, propose corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
•    Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements and accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
•    Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions

•    Assists in promoting knowledge exchange and capacity development initiatives in collaboration with research institutions.
•    Contributes to foster resource mobilization and outreach with international organizations, private sector entities, and donors.
•    Supports investment opportunities in the sectors of tropical agriculture innovation, south–south cooperation, and agrifood systems transformation in China, in line with the investment approaches of FAO.
•    Supports the maintenance and operation of the PCO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    National of China.
•    Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, forestry, fisheries or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
•    One year of relevant experience in agricultural development and/or project implementation in an area of FAO's activities in the country.
•    Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Chinese and English.

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management.
•    Understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines and programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the area of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, OR extent and relevance of' experience related to 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.