Field Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO has been active in Sri Lanka since 1979, with its Representation (Country Office) located in Colombo. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, focusing on four key areas: Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment, and a Better life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Job Overview:
The Field Project Assistant will play a crucial role in the implementation of a United States Macro Grant project in Sri Lanka, which aims to strengthen the preparedness, resilience, and adaptive capacity of vulnerable farming communities facing various interconnected shocks. These shocks include the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, disruptions from the Middle East crisis, and forecasted El Niño conditions that threaten agricultural production and water availability. The project specifically targets smallholder paddy farmers in several districts and vegetable farmers in others, with interventions designed to safeguard agricultural production, enhance food security, and strengthen livelihoods. The Field Project Assistant will be responsible for providing technical support, facilitating field-level coordination, and ensuring that project activities are implemented efficiently and effectively, in alignment with FAO procedures and best practices. This position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, partner organizations, and local communities, to achieve the expected results across all project outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Project Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including coordinating and facilitating the implementation of project interventions targeting smallholder farmers. This involves ensuring the timely and effective delivery of agricultural inputs, supporting the identification and mobilization of eligible beneficiaries, and coordinating the distribution of essential agricultural supplies. The assistant will also provide technical support to farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, facilitate training sessions and community meetings, and monitor field activities to assess progress against project targets. Additionally, the role includes maintaining accurate records and databases, collecting and analyzing field-level information, and contributing to the preparation of technical and progress reports. The assistant will work under the supervision of the Lead Technical Officer and collaborate closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Agriculture, Public or Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in program or project coordination is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English and either Sinhala or Tamil, and must be nationals of Sri Lanka. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Public or Business Administration, or Social Sciences. Candidates must have obtained their qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in program or project coordination. This experience should ideally include field-level implementation of agricultural projects, stakeholder engagement, and technical support to farmers.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and either Sinhala or Tamil. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The appointment is subject to security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.