Senior Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition for all. Established in 1945, FAO currently has 194 member states and operates in more than 130 countries worldwide, including Namibia. The organization is dedicated to achieving the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which aims to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO's mission includes assisting governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources. The FAO Country Office in Namibia plays a crucial role in designing and implementing country-specific field programs and liaising with local donors and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Assistant will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Namibia and the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme). This position is integral to the Programme Team, focusing on effective project design, planning, and implementation to achieve desired project outcomes. The Senior Project Assistant will facilitate the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and will be responsible for supporting project administration, financial management, and procurement processes. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including national and international partners, to ensure that project activities are completed on time and in accordance with FAO regulations. The position also involves producing reports and written outputs that meet FAO and donor requirements, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in project execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating closely with the Programme Team to support effective project design, planning, and implementation to achieve project results.
• Assisting in project administration, financial management, and procurement to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Organizing and facilitating consultative meetings with key stakeholders in both public and private sectors.
• Supporting the production of project reports and written outputs, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Creating schedules for project activities as outlined in annual work plans to ensure timely completion of all activities.
• Establishing and strengthening partnerships with FAO’s national partners to enhance resource mobilization.
• Assisting in project identification by preparing documentation for project concept notes and project formulation.
• Participating in project implementation and monitoring by preparing work plans and budgets.
• Maintaining logs, filing documents, and updating records for future reference. 1
• Supporting the execution of project tasks to ensure compliance with project plans. 1
• Contributing to the communication plan by providing quality information and images. 1
• Supporting knowledge building and sharing relevant to assigned projects. 1
• Performing any other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or a related field of study.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant working experience.
• A working knowledge (level C) of English.
• Namibian nationality is required for this position. Additionally, candidates should possess FAO core competencies, which include a strong results focus, teamwork, effective communication, building relationships, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or any related field. It is essential that the degree is obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which is maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO. This ensures that the educational qualifications are valid and recognized internationally, which is crucial for the role within FAO.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of working experience in relevant fields. This experience should ideally include project management, administration, and collaboration with various stakeholders in the agricultural or environmental sectors. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully supporting project implementation and achieving results in similar roles.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (level C) of English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. For further employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website. This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working closely with international partners and stakeholders.