Programme Coordination Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's initiatives include providing technical expertise, policy advice, and capacity development to support sustainable agricultural practices and improve rural livelihoods. The organization is particularly active in crisis response, such as the Rohingya Refugee Crisis Response Program, which began in October 2017 in Bangladesh, focusing on both refugee and host communities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Coordination Assistant will play a crucial role in the implementation of watershed management and disaster risk reduction activities in Cox's Bazar. This position is vital for ensuring that the FAO's initiatives align with the needs of both the Rohingya refugees and the local communities. The incumbent will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing various activities aimed at enhancing resilience against natural disasters, particularly focusing on biological land stabilization, reforestation, and effective watershed management. The role requires close collaboration with government counterparts, UN agencies, and local stakeholders to ensure that interventions are strategically aligned and effectively implemented. The Programme Coordination Assistant will also engage in community capacity-building initiatives and contribute to the development of project proposals and reports, ensuring that all activities are documented and lessons learned are shared.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Coordination Assistant include: assisting in the delineation and prioritization of watersheds; supporting the design of watershed treatment measures; promoting an integrated watershed management approach; coordinating with government counterparts; facilitating community engagement and capacity-building initiatives; contributing to project development; organizing technical workshops and field visits; collecting and analyzing risk data; supporting the development of preparedness plans; promoting inclusive programming; preparing and monitoring project work plans; coordinating field-level implementation; and supporting the fine-tuning of the Landslide Early Warning System. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of activities, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Environmental Science, Agroforestry, Zoology, Disaster Management, Geography, or a related discipline. A minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in program or project implementation, quality assurance, monitoring, and reporting is required. Previous experience working with a UN agency or international organization is considered an asset. Candidates must be Bangladesh nationals and have a working knowledge of English, which is essential for effective communication within the role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as forestry, Environmental Science, Agroforestry, Zoology, Disaster Management, or Geography. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of watershed management and disaster risk reduction, as well as for engaging with technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience. This experience should include supporting program and project implementation, quality assurance, monitoring, and reporting. Candidates with prior experience in UN agencies or international organizations will have a competitive advantage, as this background provides familiarity with the operational and strategic frameworks within which FAO operates.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication and reporting. Familiarity with local dialects may be considered an added advantage, enhancing the ability to engage with local communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The 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. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.