UNV Project Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: UNV Project Assistant
Location: Lilongwe
Country: Malawi
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably. In Malawi, FAO focuses on providing policy advice, technical assistance, and investment support to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The UNV Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO Representation in Malawi, particularly in the implementation of the China-FAO-Malawi Tripartite South-South Cooperation Project. This position involves facilitating communication between the Technical Expert Team and various stakeholders, including government counterparts and beneficiary groups. The Project Assistant will be responsible for translating documents and materials, assisting in project planning and implementation, and supporting monitoring and evaluation activities. The role requires a proactive approach to partnership building and donor liaison, ensuring that the project aligns with FAO's broader goals of sustainable agricultural development and food security in Malawi. The Project Assistant will also contribute to the training and capacity-building efforts aimed at enhancing the skills of government extension workers and community farmers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV Project Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting communication between the Technical Expert Team and the FAO country office, government counterparts, and beneficiary groups through oral and written interpretations.
• Translating project-related documents and materials, particularly from English to Chinese and vice versa.
• Assisting the FAO Project Coordinator and Project Support Specialist in formulating and implementing periodic project work and budget plans.
• Facilitating field training and demonstration activities planned under the project.
• Supporting project monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities, including the preparation of periodic project progress reports.
• Assisting in partnership building and donor liaison to enhance project implementation and develop new pipeline opportunities for South-South cooperation.
• Performing any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The Project Assistant is expected to provide high-quality, client-friendly support to ensure the successful accomplishment of FAO Malawi's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNV Project Assistant position should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Proficiency in both English and Chinese is essential, particularly in translation and interpretation. The ideal candidate should have a good understanding of project management principles and experience in supporting project implementation. Additionally, familiarity with agricultural development issues and the FAO's mandate will be advantageous. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are also required to effectively manage project documentation and reporting.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, international development, project management, or a related discipline is required for the UNV Project Assistant position. Additional training or certifications in translation, project management, or agricultural development will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development in their field of expertise.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in project support, translation, or a related area. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of agricultural development or food security, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in Malawi's agricultural sector will be beneficial for effectively contributing to the project's objectives.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Chinese is mandatory for this position, as the role involves significant translation and interpretation responsibilities. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in Malawi, such as Chichewa, would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The UNV Project Assistant position is a full-time role based in Lilongwe, Malawi. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be discussed during the recruitment process. The position encourages applications from Chinese nationals, reflecting the project's focus on South-South cooperation. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNV standards, providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.