Project Assistant (SC-4) (Agriculture)

Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in FAO's global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO's response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

This position's grade level is SC-4

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Somalia, and the direct supervision of the Agriculture Sector Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support project teams to implement project activities, providing operational support in LoA/LoUs management, coordinating administration, ensuring timely and quality outputs, maintaining documentation, preparing procurement plans, assisting in procurement and distribution, following up with units, preparing reports, organizing meetings and field visits, ensuring project visibility, and performing other duties as assigned.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the Project Manager in supervising project activities’ implementation in various parts of Somalia.
• Provide operational support to project field staff and local partners on CadRe project activities and technical operations.
• Support the Project Manager in the processing and management of LoA/LoUs with partners.
• Support the Project Manager in coordinating the project administration activities to ensure smooth management of the project.
• Support the Project Manager in ensuring the assigned outputs and activities are delivered on target, on time, and to required quality standards.
• Support the project in maintaining a library of core project documentation and monthly tracking of performance.
• Prepare quarterly and annual procurement plans for CadRe project.
• Assist in procurement and distribution of inputs to project beneficiaries.
• Support the Project Manager on follow up issues with M&E, Compliance, Finance and Procurement Units.
• Support the Project Manager in preparing interim and terminal reports and any other reporting requirements.
• Arrange and provide operational support to meetings, workshops and training for partners.
• Provide operational support in organizing and coordinating field visits to by donors, FAO management and partners if needed.
• Support in organizing and coordinating meeting with implementing partners.
• Under the guidance of the Project Manager, ensure project visibility for all activities are observed.
• Organise and store all reports in the sector after approval.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING


Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from a recognized university.
• At least three years of work experience related to project implementation.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali.
• National of Somalia.


FAO Core Competencies

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


Technical/Functional Skills

• Understanding of crop cycles, planting techniques, pest and disease management, and post-harvest practices.
• Basic knowledge of soil types and fertility management.
• Understanding of Climate Smart Agriculture including other relevant related topics such as good agricultural practices and other farm business management.
• Good Knowledge of computers including word processing, spreadsheets, Microsoft project and Internet use.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION