Junior Programme Support Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to lead international efforts to combat hunger and ensure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. The organization was founded in 1945 and has since grown to encompass numerous member countries, with a mission to improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, and enhance the livelihoods of rural populations. The FAO Representation in Bangladesh was established in 1978 and has been instrumental in supporting the country's agricultural and food security initiatives, addressing challenges such as population growth, climate change, and natural disasters. The organization operates in various sectors including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, with a focus on sustainable practices and resilience against environmental shocks. FAO employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Junior Programme Support Assistant position is designed to support the implementation of the Diversified Resilient Agriculture for Improved Food and Nutrition Security (RAINS) project in Bangladesh. This role involves working closely with the FAO Representative and the project team to facilitate training, coordination, and market linkage initiatives, particularly focusing on nutrition, women, and youth empowerment. The incumbent will play a crucial role in enhancing the availability of diversified, nutritious foods and supporting farmers in accessing markets. The position requires a proactive approach to project management, including monitoring and evaluation tasks, data collection, and communication activities. The Junior Programme Support Assistant will also contribute to the development of educational materials and support the implementation of nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions, ensuring that the project aligns with FAO's strategic objectives and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Programme Support Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions for farmers and women/youth-focused activities; preparing educational materials and presentations to enhance knowledge and practices related to nutrition; promoting off-farm income-generating activities tailored for women and youth; coordinating with the RAINS Project Management Unit; supporting monitoring and evaluation tasks related to project beneficiaries; capturing data and lessons learned for policy engagement; assisting in project communications activities; supporting the implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions; developing and delivering nutrition education materials; conducting assessments and monitoring related to nutrition; strengthening nutrition-sensitive value chains; and preparing policy briefs and success stories for scaling-up and policy engagement. Additionally, the assistant will support the McGovern-Dole School Feeding Programme by conducting surveys and monitoring activities related to the Little Agriculturist Club, collecting case stories and good practices for reporting and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, or a relevant field. A minimum of one year of experience in agriculture, food science, or a similar field is required. The position demands a working knowledge of English at level C, and candidates must be nationals of Bangladesh. Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office software, email, internet, and spreadsheets, is essential. Skills in supporting project management are also necessary. A working knowledge of Bangla is preferable, as it will facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, or a related field. It is important that candidates have obtained their qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), ensuring that their educational background meets international standards. This requirement underscores the importance of having a solid foundation in relevant academic disciplines to effectively contribute to the FAO's mission and the specific objectives of the RAINS project.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in agriculture, food science, or a similar field. This experience should ideally involve practical engagement in project management, agricultural practices, or food security initiatives. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to the successful implementation of projects aimed at improving nutrition and agricultural productivity.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English at level C. Additionally, proficiency in Bangla is preferable, as it will enhance communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries. While English is essential for documentation and reporting, knowledge of Bangla will facilitate better engagement with the community and support the project's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the SC-1 level, and the salary will be commensurate with this classification. FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and 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 FAO emphasizes compliance with its standards and guidelines throughout the recruitment process, ensuring that all communication materials adhere to FAO's branding and messaging policies. For further employment opportunities, candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website.