Management of Human Resources
- FAORs ad interim -
During the absences from the country of the FAO Representatives, an FAO Representative ad interim should be nominated. Such arrangement needs to be cleared with OSD.
The FAOR ad interim is a senior international UN staff, cleared by OSD and approved by DG to carry the responsibilities of FAOR in a particular country for a limited interim period of time.
Identification and Recruitment of FAOR a.i. Depending on the duration of the period to be covered by interim arrangements, different kind of action is required.
- For short periods of absence
- For extended periods of absence
For shorter periods of absence
When requesting approval for leave or travel abroad (except when travelling to a country under multiple accreditation which, for all practical purposes, is considered in-country travel), the FAOR proposes to the Director OSD one or more senior international UN staff resident in the country, who have confirmed their availability to serve as FAOR a.i. for a given period. These are usually the UNDP Resident Representative or another Head of UN Agency. Where applicable, a senior FAO international staff residing in the country, such as the FAO Emergency Coordinator, can be proposed.
Once his/her leave or travel has been approved, the FAOR communicates details (name, function/title of the staff and period/s to be covered) of the proposed interim arrangements to OSD for approval, with copy to the SRC and the RR concerned. The nomination is considered approved unless the FAOR is informed by OSD, within three working days, of the non-approval of the nominee.
For extended periods of absence
In case of prolonged periods without an FAOR, consideration may be given to the recruitment of a consultant/FAOR ad interim (usually a retired former FAOR). The authority to approve the recruitment of FAORs a.i. rests with the Director-General.
OSD is responsible for identifying suitable candidates for such positions and for obtaining DG's approval. For this purpose, OSD maintains a database with CVs of potential candidates and, when required, submits a note to the Director-General.
Once DG approval is received, OSD will:
(i) request the consultant to reconfirm dates of EOD/NTE;
(ii) request SSC by email, to recruit the candidate against the standard TOR for FAOR a.i. specifying duration and EOD of the consultancy;
(iii) inform the FAO country office concerned of the upcoming arrival of the FAOR ai. and request them to formally notify the government on the matter by way of Note Verbale, using the CV and other pertinent information (i.e. tentative timing of arrival in the country,...)
provided by OSD;
(iv) prepare an ad-hoc briefing programme for the consultant/FAOR a.i of 2 to 3 days at HQ and similar period at RO/SRO, during which basic information is provided on the staffing and budget of the office, including the latest reports available and any outstanding issues.