FAO Opens Applications For Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) In Cuba 2025 – Strengthening Sustainable Agrifood Systems

Grace Mataka 1 day ago

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FAO has announced an exciting opportunity for Cuban professionals to join its team in Havana as Assistant FAO Representative (Administration). The role, posted on 29 August 2025 and closing on 13 September 2025, offers a fixed-term two-year appointment with the possibility of extension.

As FAO continues to advance its mission of building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems, this position is a key role in ensuring smooth administration, financial management, and operational efficiency within the country office.

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Table of Contents

FAO’s Mission and Global Presence

FAO is a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to achieving food security for all. With 195 members—194 countries plus the European Union—the organization works in over 130 countries worldwide. Its mandate is to ensure that every person has regular access to sufficient, high-quality food for a healthy and active life.

In alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, FAO operates under its Strategic Framework to transform agrifood systems into more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable models. This transformation is guided by the “Four Betters”: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—leaving no one behind.

Country offices, such as FAO Cuba, play a crucial role in translating global strategies into national action. They provide policy support, technical assistance, capacity development, and partnerships to help countries achieve national priorities under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

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The Role of Assistant FAO Representative (Administration)

The Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) will serve as a cornerstone of FAO Cuba’s administrative and financial operations. Reporting directly to the FAO Representative in Havana, the incumbent will oversee programme administration, budget control, and personnel management while ensuring compliance with FAO’s corporate policies and international standards.

Key Responsibilities

Provide support in finance, administration, and budgetary oversight.
Maintain accurate financial records and monitoring systems for the office.
Ensure operational expenditures remain within approved budgets and report variances.
Supervise and guide the administrative team, ensuring efficient data management and use of corporate systems.
Oversee processing of payments, banking, procurement, and customs clearance procedures.
Support preparation of financial and administrative reports for audits, budget planning, and programme accountability.
Ensure compliance with FAO’s security standards (MOSS) and contribute to risk management, fraud prevention, and internal controls.

In short, the position is designed to guarantee the effective and transparent management of FAO Cuba’s resources, while reinforcing the credibility and operational efficiency of the organization’s presence in the country.

Candidate Requirements

The position is open exclusively to nationals of Cuba. FAO is seeking candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds in administration and finance.

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Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business or public administration or a related field.
At least one year of relevant experience in administration, office management, finance, accounting, auditing, or budgeting.
Proficiency in Spanish (Level C) and at least intermediate knowledge of English (Level B).

Core Competencies

FAO evaluates candidates against its five corporate competencies:

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

Preferred Skills

Experience in office management and administration, including supervisory responsibilities.
Familiarity with UN operational rules and procedures.
Knowledge of FAO’s corporate systems or similar accounting/financial software.
Strong analytical and judgment skills with the ability to apply regulations accurately.

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Terms of Appointment

The selected candidate will receive a fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable depending on organizational needs and performance. While there is no guarantee of long-term renewal, incumbents may apply for other FAO positions worldwide.

As a National Professional Officer (NPO) position, the role is recruited locally and paid according to the local salary scale, periodically adjusted based on surveys of prevailing employment conditions. The package includes competitive UN-level compensation and benefits, alongside FAO’s family-friendly policies, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive workplace culture.

FAO’s Commitment to Diversity and Ethics

FAO places strong emphasis on diversity, integrity, and professionalism. The organization actively encourages applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented groups.

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All staff members are expected to uphold FAO’s values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity, and Transparency, as well as the highest standards of ethical conduct. FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal by creating an online profile and submitting a complete application, including a letter of motivation. All educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Applicants may also be required to provide performance assessments and consent for background checks.

The deadline for submission is 13 September 2025 at 1:59 AM (local time). Early submission is strongly encouraged.

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Conclusion

This vacancy represents a significant opportunity for Cuban professionals to contribute to FAO’s mission of achieving food security and sustainable agrifood transformation. As Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), the successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring effective operations, financial accountability, and administrative excellence—helping Cuba advance toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

For those with a background in administration, finance, and public management, this role is more than a career move—it is a chance to help shape global progress, starting at home.