Project Assistant

Organizational Setting

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

Reporting Lines

The Project Assistant will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in the Philippines, guidance of the Assistant FAO Representative for Programme and the direct supervision of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Project Technical Specialist.

Technical Focus

The project will support the engagement of the food and agriculture sector in selected countries in the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), with a focus on several of the key factors identified above namely regulatory platforms, legislation, capacity to collect data on antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR, and antimicrobial residues and improving practices to minimize the need for and use of antimicrobials and transmission of AMR along the food chain.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Project Assistant shall perform the following responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation of the work plan under the Philippine component of the GCP/GLO/710/UK Engaging the food and agriculture sectors in sub-Saharan Africa and South and South-east Asia in the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance using a One Health approach by ensuring that all activities under the four outputs are implemented, addressing the following specific tasks:

• Assist the AMR Technical Specialist in closely working with the AMR group (Animal Health and Welfare Division, Veterinary Laboratory Division, Feeds Standards Division, etc) in the Bureau of Animal Industry as well as other national authorities responsible for the control of AMR within the Department of Agriculture
• Assist in the preparations needed for the conduct of the meeting of the Philippines Inter-Agency Committee on AMR (ICAMR) as well as conducting follow through activities.
• Liaise regional field units and local government units, the central laboratory, private sector partners for smooth implementation of AMU and AMR activities;
• Assist in the implementation and collation of the results of the AMR surveillance plan for the Philippines
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of advocacy activities on AMR
• Take part in relevant meetings on AMR/AMU and residue monitoring.
• Participate in meetings conducted by WHO, OIE and ASEAN to keep abreast with developments on respective AMU/AMR activities and follow up on any opportunities for collaboration

• Monitor progress against the work plan by tracking activities and targets with periodical review and revision;
• Contribute to the preparation of project reports, briefs and various correspondence.
• Prepare routine correspondence and administrative reports required by FAO and concerned government agencies, and ensure the proper distribution of such correspondence & reports to concerned individuals & agencies.
• Ensure that all administrative and financial matters/transactions concerning the project are conducted in accordance with FAO guidelines.
• Monitor administrative and financial dealings of the project and prepare necessary reports accordingly
• Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as requested by FAO Representative.

Minimum Requirements

• The candidate must have an university degree in animal science
• At least 3 years of work experience related to the implementing projects on animal health
• A national of Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Language requirement: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a team and with people from diverse backgrounds
• Strong understanding of United Nations and FAO’s work
• Experience working for a development and/or humanitarian organization