Subnational Project Assistant

Subnational Project Assistant

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

June 4, 2026June 12, 2026Indonesia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has been operational since its establishment in 1945, making it one of the oldest specialized agencies within the UN system. FAO Indonesia plays a crucial role in the agricultural development of the nation, focusing on sustainability and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. With over 40 years of experience in Indonesia, FAO is dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity through sustainable practices and improved access to resources. The organization collaborates with various government agencies and local communities to promote resilience against natural disasters and climate change impacts in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, FAO supports policy development and capacity-building initiatives aimed at achieving long-term sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Indonesia. Recently, the Province of Riau has been identified as a beneficiary of the UK-funded UN-REDD Green for Riau project, which aims to strengthen technical and institutional capacities at the provincial level to access climate finance for REDD implementation.

Job Overview:
The Subnational Project Assistant will be based in Pekanbaru and will report to the FAO UN-REDD Programme Lead. This role involves close coordination with the Green for Riau Project Team and relevant stakeholders at both national and sub-national levels. The primary focus of this position is to support the effective delivery of the GREEN for Riau project activities, ensuring smooth communication between the project team and sub-national stakeholders, including provincial and district governments. The incumbent will also provide technical inputs related to forest carbon inventory and monitoring, which are essential for developing an initial sub-national Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) for Riau province. This role is critical in assessing the applicability of future climate finance instruments relevant to REDD standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Subnational Project Assistant will be responsible for coordinating engagement with provincial stakeholders and maintaining effective communication between the project team and sub-national counterparts to ensure smooth collaboration. Key responsibilities include supporting the review of data availability, quality, and gaps relevant to sub-national MRV and FREL development. The assistant will also facilitate improvements through data collection, validation, integration, and harmonization between national and sub-national systems. Additionally, the role involves assisting in the development of the TREES Registration Document, which includes data compilation, methodological descriptions, compliance analysis, technical annexes, and supporting evidence in coordination with relevant counterparts. The assistant will prepare technical documentation, presentations, and communications with national and sub-national stakeholders, including government agencies and technical teams. Furthermore, the role includes providing technical, logistical, and coordination support for meetings, workshops, and capacity development initiatives. The assistant may also be required to perform other related tasks as necessary to support project objectives and FAO's mandate.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. A minimum of two years of relevant experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, or field implementation is required. For applicants with a bachelor's degree, three additional years of relevant experience are necessary. Proficiency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Indonesia.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or related disciplines. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the environmental and agricultural sectors relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, or field implementation. For those with a bachelor's degree, a total of five years of relevant experience is necessary. Experience in working with government officials and in the implementation of technical assistance projects, particularly in environmental, forestry, or sustainable development areas, is highly valued.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of technical documentation and presentations.

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. 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.
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