Full Time
Dar es salaam
Posted 1 week ago

Website Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO Representative in Tanzania

Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Job Posting Date: January 28, 2026
Closing Date: February 26, 2026, 1:59:00 AM
Location: Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
Grade Level: P-5
Job Type: Staff Position (Professional)
Post Number: 0129763
Duration: Fixed term – Two years with possibility of extension

About FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency 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.

Global Presence:

195 Members – 194 countries and the European Union
Works in over 130 countries worldwide

Mission: FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its 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.

Organizational Setting

FAO Country Offices

FAO Country Offices, headed by FAO Representatives (FAORs), assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, help develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors, and use their environmental and natural resources sustainably.

Specific Activities of Country Offices:

Implementing FAO’s field projects and participating in the development of the Field Programme by identifying and formulating new projects and liaising with local donor representations
Helping governments prevent and assess disaster damage and assisting in reconstruction and rehabilitation of the agricultural sector
Carrying out public awareness activities and supporting important FAO campaigns such as World Food Day (WFD)
Providing assistance to technical and investment missions from FAO headquarters and Regional or Subregional Offices
Serving as a channel for FAO’s services to governments and other partners (donors, NGOs, CSOs, research institutions, etc.)
Keeping FAO informed of major social and economic developments and monitoring the agriculture sector
Acting as FAO Representative to host governments and all partners involved in FAO activities

Reporting Lines

The FAO Representative (FAOR) manages and is accountable for the FAO country programme, office, resources, and staff.

Direct Reporting:

Reports to and works under the overall guidance and supervision of the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative (ADG/RR)
Where applicable, works under technical supervision of the Subregional Coordinator
Works closely with the Regional Leadership Team
Supported by Regional/Subregional Office and headquarters technical, administrative, and operational staff

UN System Reporting:

Reports periodically to the Resident Coordinator (RC) on contributions to the United Nations Country Team (UNCT)
Works towards implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)
Active and accountable member of UNCT as defined in the approved ‘Management and Accountability Framework’
Active member of the Humanitarian Country Team, where relevant

Technical Focus

The FAOR leads FAO’s response to national priorities and sustainable development challenges to advance the 2030 Agenda, advocating for action to accelerate realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as established in FAO’s Country Programming Framework (CPF) and in line with the FAO Strategic Framework, with particular focus on Programmatic Priority Areas (PPAs).

Key Result: The FAOR successfully leads and manages the FAO Country Office and effectively represents FAO in the country of accreditation, developing, maintaining, and enhancing collaboration with the host government and other key stakeholders on development and humanitarian issues.

Key Functions

1. Represent and Advocate the Work of the Organization

Represent FAO towards national authorities, partners, and stakeholders
Advocate FAO’s policy positions in relevant national fora and represent FAO in national media
Implement a proactive communications strategy to raise awareness of FAO with the general public
Support UN joint communication efforts and speak with ‘one voice’ in delivering the 2030 Agenda
Facilitate timely access by national stakeholders to FAO’s knowledge resources and global public goods
Provide leadership on food security and agriculture policy, as well as operational matters within the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator System
Lead overall emergency response preparedness, coordination, and response at country level, in cooperation with government, UN Country Team/Humanitarian Country Team and Cluster/sector activities

2. Develop and Operationalize the CPF Derived from UNSDCF

Support the country’s efforts towards achievement of SDGs, in line with FAO’s mandate and Strategic Framework
Lead timely development of CPF and Country Work Plan (CWP) in consultation with national stakeholders and partners
Lead analysis of country situation, providing updates and alerts on key events and trends, including for UN Common Country Analysis (CCA)
Lead FAO’s contribution to UN common planning and programming frameworks (CCAs, UNSDCFs, CAPs, Humanitarian Action Plans, Flash Appeals, Joint Programmes, etc.)
Advise and collaborate with internal partners to raise awareness of country priorities and needs
Lead dialogue and liaise with national government authorities on issues of FAO’s mandate

3. Build Partnerships and Mobilize Resources

Support operationalization of CPF and UNSDCF
Establish effective partnerships with governments, donors, civil societies, NGOs, UN, and other international organizations
Lead country-level mobilization of extrabudgetary resources
Support Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in strategically positioning the UN and in joint resource mobilization efforts

4. Programme Implementation and Monitoring

Ensure programmes are managed and monitored effectively in compliance with corporate policies and procedures
Mobilize technical backstopping to FAO projects
Provide technical support services in FAO’s areas of competence in country of assignment and other countries of the subregion (when requested)
Operate as budget holder for national projects
Oversee effective implementation of FAO programmes and projects
Lead periodic reviews, monitor CPF and FAO components in UN Sustainable Cooperation Frameworks
Ensure timely reporting, including to Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator and UN Country Team
Address issues in real-time to minimize reputational and financial risks for FAO

5. Effectively Manage the Office, Personnel, and Financial Resources

Lead and manage the Country Office ensuring effective and efficient use of human and financial resources
Ensure internal control mechanisms are in place and enforced
Manage all matters related to security and safety of FAO personnel and their eligible dependents
Ensure full adherence to UN Security Policy, rules, regulations, and security-related instructions
Improve observance of legal, statutory, or regulatory obligations and FAO’s ethical standards
Apply FAO zero tolerance policies on prevention of sexual abuse and harassment, and gender parity
Promote and nurture staff development and welfare
Identify and implement effective controls to respond to operational risks, including Anti-Fraud Control plans
Maintain reliability, appropriateness, and timeliness of financial and non-financial information
Reduce losses and waste of assets and resources
Ensure gender focal point is designated as required by FAO Gender Equality Policy
Lead initiatives under FAO Corporate Environmental Policy and Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy 2020-2030

Minimum Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in an area related to the Organization’s activities, e.g., agriculture, forestry, fishery, or rural development
Note: FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)

Experience

Ten years of relevant experience in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of field programmes

Language Requirements

Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English
Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)

Leadership Competencies

Results Focus: Takes accountability for delivery of agreed results in service of FAO’s strategic framework
Leading, Engaging and Empowering Others: Coordinates, directs, facilitates, and recognizes team efforts; creates enabling environment and assists others to realize 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 knowledge, skills, and work processes
Strategic Thinking: Makes informed and coherent decisions aligned with broader goals

Technical/Functional Skills

Essential

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, in both programmatic areas and fostering government relationships

Required Expertise

Extent and relevance of experience in developing and managing country field programmes from design to delivery (programme/project identification, formulation, analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation)
Extent and relevance of experience in coordination and/or management of technical cooperation projects and programmes, including emergency, recovery, and rehabilitation-related programmes
Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization
Extent and relevance of experience in negotiating and cooperating with national governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other institutions, as well as designing collaborative networks and joint programmes

Conditions of Service

Compensation and Benefits

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, including:

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 protection

For information on UN salaries, allowances, and benefits: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp

Workplace Culture

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity, including:

Family-friendly policies
Flexible working arrangements
High standards of conduct

Important Notices

Eligibility

Please note: The Organization does not appoint individuals as FAO Representative in their own country of nationality
Extension of fixed-term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
Appointment subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances

FAO Commitments

Zero-tolerance policy for conduct 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
Non-smoking environment

Diversity and Inclusion

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

FAO Values

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of:

Commitment to FAO
Respect for All
Integrity and Transparency

Environmental Commitment

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

How to Apply

Application Process

Visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile
Ensure your profile is accurate, complete, and includes employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
Submit your application once your profile is complete

Important Application Notes

Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
Incomplete applications will not be considered
We encourage applicants to submit applications well before the deadline
Your application will be screened based on information provided in your online profile
Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization for verification checks
Personal information may be shared within FAO and with companies providing employment support services (pre-screening, assessment tests, background checks, etc.)

Need Help?

Create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Closure date and time displayed are based on your personal device settings.

Join FAO in leading the fight against hunger and contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda!

How to Apply:

To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

To apply for this job please visit jobs.fao.org.

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