FAOR 100 Day Checklist

This checklist is intended to support the transition of the new FAOR into his/her role in country. This is a work in progress and OSD looks forward to any comments or suggestions (OSD-Director@fao.org). This form, duly filled in, should be attached to the FAOR inception report.

Please note that all of the items on this checklist may not apply to every office. And some offices may require more. OSD is always hoping to improve, so please send any feedback to the email noted above.

Activities Remarks and additional learning resources

Political

Present Credentials to Minister indicated in the letter and report on the meeting to OSD (priority)

Courtesy call – relevant ministries, secretaries and other government offices to introduce yourself (priority)

Introduce yourself to the UN Resident Coordinator (during first days in office) and to the other members of the UN Country Team (priority)

Following the courtesy calls, meet with heads of departments of relevant ministries/offices. Try to identify who is who in the government and the various roles and responsibilities of the various offices

Discuss FAOs Strategic Framework, Regional strategies and initiatives and areas for possible cooperation and partnership

Strategic Objectives - Thematic Area in FAOR Programme & Community (you@fao)

Meet with representatives from the donor community and diplomatic corps and any relevant international organizations

Resource Mobilization Thematic Area in FAOR Programme & Community

Reach out to members of the press (review the guidance “How To’s” for working with the press). Review the Representation’s communication strategy.

FAOR 100 Day Checklist

These are newly revised documents by OCC. Nathalie Riviere, CSPL can be contacted for additional information

Programmatic

Review with the AFAOR Programme (or Deputy FAOR, or both) project status and pipelines to obtain a better understanding of country activities and how they fit within the CPF and UNDAF

Visit the most important ongoing projects in the country, possibly with the counterparts

Review the projects that have ended and are not closed and coordinate actions with the responsible colleagues

With 14 days of arrival, identify Focal Points for Gender (and inform ESP (Josefine.Landberg@fao.org)) Family Farming, CPF, Strategic Objectives and Regional Initiatives

Gender Thematic Area in FAOR Programme & Community (pending)

Find out if there is a country agricultural group and offer your support. If there is none, review the possibility of establishing and guiding one

Review the CPF in light of the national strategies and plans, UNDAF, etc., and determine the need for possible adjustments (mid-term review, etc.)

Review other relevant documentation (e.g. Government development plans, agricultural statistics and investment plans, etc.)

Office Management and Administration

Meet with all office staff to introduce yourself and explain your vision as FAOR. Work to build their confidence and their team spirit.

Hold periodic one-on-one meetings with direct reports. These meeting are important in building relationships, learning about their roles, experience and expectations, provide feedback and guidance, etc.

FAOR 100 Day Checklist

Hold periodic meetings with key office/programme staff (AFAORs, project coordinators or CTAs, etc.)

With the support of UNDSS, review the MOSS and MORSS situation and coordinate actions to work towards full MOSS and MORSS compliance. Understand security issues with the guidance of UNDSS

UNDSS in many cases will provide a security review of potential homes for the FAOR as per MORSS compliance

After observing the financial management of the office, contact CSF (William Marvin, Senior Finance Officer) to discuss any issues and observations

Review the status of the FAO country website and determine the need for improvements (in consultation with OCCI and OSD if necessary)

Communication - Thematic Area in FAOR Programme & Community (pending)

Review the Host Country Agreement and the government contribution. Liaise with the Regional Office and OSD as necessary in case you wish to propose changes (office premises, government contributions, etc.)

Review the staffing in the office and determine if you want to propose any changes in terms of posts and roles (to be discussed with the Regional Office first)

Review the office work plan (if there is one) and introduce the necessary changes

Review the delivery estimates and the projected AOS income in order to determine the realistic level of AOS income that the office will be able to rely on

Review the country pages in COIN and determine if there is any need for corrections/updates

Have your name and signature included on panel of signatories (A) and ensure that there is a sufficient number of other signatories to ensure business continuity during absences due to leave (for personal or health reasons) or missions

Review recent audit reports with the office staff and plan to respond to outstanding recommendations. Review the fraud prevention plan

Establish a local procurement committee (or confirm/modify the current one) (Per Manual Section 502 Appendix D1)

Complete the online mandatory Budget Holder course (pending action as this online course is not yet available)

FAOR 100 Day Checklist

Prepare and present the inception report after 3 months (approx. 100 days)

Become familiar with the staff individual PEMS plans (and depending on the time of the PEMS cycle) consider whether revisions are required (PEMS planning guide)

Support and Guidance

Contact CSPL to determine if coaching is available for you

Peer coaching will be available on FAOR Network and Community (access to FAO’s Intranet required). Additional, guidance on Strategic Objectives, Resource Mobilization, etc., can be found there

A large number of online courses are available at you@fao

Old business practices in the office may continue even though the processes have been updated. If you have any questions or need advice on how to deal with an issue, please contact your FAOR Network Officer in the Regional Office or OSD

Additional Suggestions

Review Office Organogram and propose changes, if necessary

Ensure the office environment is clean and professional

Work to support your staff and create a healthy, productive, team spirit

Print visiting/contact cards for FAOR