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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
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 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) provide technical assistance and deliver core services;(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management. FAO’s assistance in Kyrgyzstan is shaped by the 202 -2027 FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF), which is centred on three strategic priority areas:
• Strategic Priority 1: Support national efforts to respond to people’s needs by ensuring equitable access to quality social services, including education, health, social protection and decent work, through effective policies and appropriate financing mechanisms, with the participation of all parties.
• Strategic Priority 2: Support national efforts to promote prosperity and resilience for all citizens through inclusive and equitable green socioeconomic development.
• Strategic Priority 3: Support national efforts to promote inclusive and gender-transformative approaches to climate action, disaster risk management and environmental protection to conserve natural resources and leverage ecosystem benefits for sustainable human development.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Reporting Lines
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) reports to the FAO Representative (FAOR).

Technical Focus
Programme development, coordination and operational assistance based on knowledge of 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 programme and project activities of the FAO Representation.

Key Functions
• Liaises and assists 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.
• Promotes 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 Conducts for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country.
• Coordinates 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.
• Participates 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).
• Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals; monitors and reviews 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; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes 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 as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
• Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions
• Provides information and knowledge to the Government authorities, institutions, and other local entities on food, nutrition, agriculture, and assists in communicating and implementing the FAO regulatory frameworks.
• Oversees the implementation of programme activities, ensures timely and quality delivery, coordinates with CTAs or NPMs, in the preparation and regular revision of project work plans and project budgets, and monitors their implementation to ensure effective execution.
• Coodinates the managerial actions required to implement the project in line with approved work plans and budgets, in accordance with FAO guidelines, and advises CTAs, experts, and NPMs on implementing the FAO field programme.
• Provides input for the FAO Representative’s annual reports and participates in the preparation of reports on FAO programme development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Identifies and mitigates programme risks according to Enterprise Risk Management Policy.
• Coordinates the implementation of FAO’s work plan on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) within the country office.
• Facilitates capacity-building initiatives for FAO staff, including organizing training sessions and providing ongoing technical guidance on community-based complaints mechanisms (CBCM). Oversees Gender Specialists’ work on the establishment of mechanisms to regularly monitor implementing partners’ accountability and adherence to agreed PSEA standards.
• Contributes to reporting and documentation of PSEA-related activities, including lessons learned and best practices.
• Supports the implementation of grievance redress mechanisms within CO, ensuring they are accessible, confidential, and aligned with organizational policies.
• Coordinates with regional and headquarters-level PSEA focal points to ensure consistency and compliance with FAO’s global PSEA strategy.
• Supports internal and external audits and evaluations.
• Advises the FAOR on strategic issues and assists the FAOR in handling One UN matters, including participation in meetings, thematic groups, and contributions to UN reports.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• National of Kyrgyzstan.
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) 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.
• Three years of relevant experience 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 (proficiency – level C) of English, Russian and Kyrgyz.

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project development and management.
• Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably’ those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development.
• Extent and relevance of experience in 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.