FAO Representative – Botswana

About the role

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a senior professional to serve as its Representative in Botswana. Based in Gaborone, the FAO Representative leads the country office, overseeing the implementation of FAO’s strategic framework to promote efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and be accountable for the FAO country programme, office resources and staff.
• Assist the Botswana government in developing policies, programmes and projects that enhance food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
• Identify, formulate and implement new field projects, coordinating with donors, NGOs and other partners.
• Support disaster risk reduction, assess agricultural damage and facilitate reconstruction and rehabilitation of the sector.
• Lead public‑awareness campaigns such as World Food Day and act as the principal liaison between FAO and national, regional and international stakeholders.
• Provide technical and investment mission support from FAO headquarters and regional offices.
• Report regularly to the Assistant Director‑General/Regional Representative and to the UN Resident Coordinator on contributions to the United Nations Country Team.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in senior leadership roles within international development, agriculture, food security or related sectors.
• Proven ability to work with government ministries, donor agencies, NGOs and civil‑society organisations.
• Strong understanding of FAO’s strategic objectives and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills.

Required skills

• Strategic planning and programme management.
• Policy development and implementation in agriculture, fisheries or forestry.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building.
• Monitoring and evaluation of agrifood projects.