National Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was established in 194

• FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is responsible for overseeing and implementing strategies and projects aimed at transforming food, agriculture, and rural development in the Pacific region, including the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Samoa.

Job Overview:
The National Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the project 'Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands (Phase II)', which aims to enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and climate-resilient livelihoods in the Pacific Islands. This position involves providing administrative and technical support for all in-country activities of the project, ensuring effective execution of project plans in collaboration with national counterparts and stakeholders. The assistant will be responsible for monitoring project progress, collecting data, facilitating meetings, and providing technical assistance to ensure the project's objectives are met. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with various stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and community members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Assistant will be responsible for implementing a work plan for project activities in collaboration with national counterparts and stakeholders. Key duties include drafting and reviewing terms of reference for consultants, organizing national meetings and workshops, facilitating travel arrangements, collecting baseline and endline data, monitoring project progress, providing technical assistance, preparing narrative progress reports, and maintaining communication with project partners. The assistant will also conduct field missions to ensure smooth implementation of project activities and provide support to international and national experts as needed. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor to support successful project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fisheries, social science, gender, or a related field. A minimum of three years' experience in the fisheries or rural/community development sectors is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English at level C and must be nationals of Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, or Samoa. Core competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical skills in negotiation, communication, and interpersonal abilities are essential, along with experience in project management and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fisheries, social science, gender studies, or a related field from an accredited institution. The degree must be recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in the relevant disciplines necessary for effective project implementation and management.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in the fisheries or rural/community development sectors. Candidates should have practical experience in managing or supporting projects related to food security, fisheries, nutrition, or livelihoods. Experience in monitoring and evaluation of performance measurement frameworks is also essential, as well as familiarity with gender equality concepts and their application in project contexts.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must have their higher educational qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position may involve travel within the project country to monitor and support project activities.