Vacancy Announcement: Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in China, 1 Year Contract
Position Title: Assistant FAO Representative (Programme)
Job ID: 2502475
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Location: Beijing, China
Job Type: National Professional Officer (NPO), Grade N-2
Duration: Fixed-term, one year with possibility of extension
Application Deadline: 4 November 2025 (12:59 AM Beijing local time)
Primary Unit: FAO Representation in China (FACPR)
Post Number: 0816353
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is committed to supporting countries in transforming agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO works toward achieving food security for all by ensuring regular access to high-quality food, contributing directly to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
FAO Country Offices, guided by Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), offer policy support, technical assistance, and capacity development tailored to national needs.
The Office in China plays a strategic role in facilitating South-South Cooperation (SSC), promoting agrifood system transformation, and strengthening partnerships across sectors.
Position Summary
The Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) will support the FAO Representative in implementing the country programme in China. This includes programme development, coordination of technical activities, partnership facilitation, and operational support. The incumbent will serve as a key liaison with national counterparts and international partners and may represent FAO in inter-agency forums when required.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent reports directly to the FAO Representative in China and collaborates closely with technical teams at the country, regional, and headquarters levels.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Coordination & Development
- Assist in formulating and implementing FAO’s Country Programming Framework (CPF), ensuring alignment with national priorities, the FAO Strategic Framework, and UNSDCF.
- Provide technical and operational support for the design, preparation, and monitoring of programme and project activities.
- Contribute to project formulation by coordinating inputs from the FAO Regional Office, Headquarters, government, private sector, and research institutions.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Liaise with national authorities, UN agencies, development partners, and local institutions on matters related to FAO’s mandate.
- Represent FAO at UN Country Team (UNCT) meetings, inter-agency working groups, consultations, and national/international events as needed.
- Promote FAO’s vision and initiatives, including support to South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC).
Data, Reporting & Analysis
- Coordinate the collection and maintenance of agricultural data in FAO’s corporate systems (e.g., food, livestock, fisheries, forestry).
- Produce analytical reports on FAO operations, donor funding, investment opportunities, and governance in agriculture and related sectors.
- Monitor national policies and changes affecting agriculture, food security, and natural resource management.
Communication & Advocacy
- Enhance visibility of FAO’s work through communication materials, such as website updates, press releases, and publications.
- Advocate for the implementation of FAO’s regulatory frameworks (e.g., Codex Alimentarius, Pesticide Code, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries).
Capacity Building & Supervision
- Supervise and mentor junior programme staff, ensuring high-quality outputs and adherence to FAO procedures.
- Support inclusive and gender-sensitive programming, including actions aligned with disability inclusion and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
Minimum Requirements
- Nationality: Must be a national of China.
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in agriculture, agricultural economics, rural development, natural resources, business management, international relations, or a related field.
- Experience: At least three years of relevant experience in programming, planning, or technical cooperation related to food, agriculture, or rural development.
- Languages: Working proficiency (Level C) in both Chinese and English.
- Technical Competencies:
- Familiarity with FAO and/or UN project/programme management systems and procedures.
- Experience in policy analysis and strategic planning related to agrifood systems.
- Proven ability in stakeholder engagement and development cooperation.
- Understanding of national and international development frameworks.
Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Additional Considerations
- Candidates with field experience or experience in multiple locations are preferred.
- Appointments are local positions; remuneration is based on the local salary scale.
- FAO is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, gender balance, and disability inclusion.
- All candidates should adhere to FAO’s core values: Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency.
Terms of Appointment
- Initial contract is for one year, renewable based on performance and availability of funding.
- Total length of service in this role shall not exceed 10 years.
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, residency eligibility, and security checks.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit an application via the FAO recruitment portal:
Jobs at FAO
Application requirements include:
- Completed online profile with education, employment, and language skills
- Motivation letter attached to the application
- Only degrees from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) will be recognized
Deadline for applications: 4 November 2025 at 12:59 AM (Beijing local time)
📌 Early submission is strongly encouraged. Only applications submitted through the FAO portal will be considered.
Need Help?
For technical support with your application, visit:
FAO Service Desk
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