Technical 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 defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries, including Iraq, where it supports the government in enhancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development. FAO collaborates closely with national and local authorities, farming communities, and other stakeholders to implement programs that address the priorities of the agriculture sector.

Job Overview:
The Technical Project Assistant position is crucial for supporting the field-level implementation of FAO's agricultural activities in Karbala, Iraq. The role focuses particularly on enhancing date palm production systems and providing support to farmers. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the FAO representative in Iraq and will coordinate closely with FAO technical teams, government counterparts, local stakeholders, and beneficiaries. The position requires a proactive approach to facilitate effective implementation and monitoring of project activities at the field level, ensuring that agricultural practices are sustainable and beneficial to the local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Project Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the technical team in organizing and conducting meetings, workshops, and conferences; assisting in crop management and the application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in farmers' orchards; supporting crop protection and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) activities; assisting in post-harvest treatments, processing, and marketing activities; contributing to the preparation of technical documents and training materials; organizing logistical arrangements for trainings, events, and field visits; handling travel arrangements for project teams and counterparts; maintaining and organizing office files, records, and documentation; liaising with Farmer Field School (FFS) facilitators to support field implementation; collecting, organizing, and monitoring field data; consolidating reports from FFS facilitators and the Survey123 platform; analyzing field data and preparing assessment reports; maintaining records of equipment distribution and warehouse inventories; supporting the preparation of communication materials; and preparing periodic activity reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Protection, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural field projects is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of Arabic and must be nationals of Iraq or residents of the country with a valid work permit. The FAO core competencies expected from candidates include a strong results focus, teamwork, effective communication, building effective relationships, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. Technical and functional skills in crop management, IPM, and GAP practices are essential, along with experience in supporting Farmer Field Schools (FFS) or similar agricultural extension activities, data collection, analysis, and reporting (e.g., using Survey123 or similar tools), logistics coordination, and field operations. Familiarity with post-harvest handling and agricultural value chains is considered an asset, and a working knowledge of English is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Agronomy, or Plant Protection. Candidates must ensure that their higher educational qualifications are obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which is maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in agricultural field projects. This experience should include practical knowledge and skills in crop management, integrated pest management, and good agricultural practices. Experience in supporting Farmer Field Schools or similar agricultural extension activities is also essential, as is familiarity with data collection, analysis, and reporting methodologies.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is Arabic, as it is essential for communication with local farmers and stakeholders. A working knowledge of English is desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and communication with international teams and stakeholders.

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. Candidates should be aware that appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region as part of their responsibilities.