Project Assistant

Organizational Setting

This position is Islamabad based in Pakistan. The main aim of FAO is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural , fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The position is at SB 3 - SC 5 level.

Reporting Lines

Under overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan (FAOR), and general supervision of Deputy FAOR and Assistant FAOR (Program); the FAO Project Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator/NRM Advisor.

Technical Focus

The FAO Project Assistant will be contracted by the FAO Pakistan for initial duration of one year (extendable) to support the implementation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project titled “Reversing deforestation and degradation in high conservation value Chilgoza Pine Forests in Pakistan”, which will be implemented over a period of four years. The project objective is to contribute to the restoration, protection and sustainable management of Chilgoza Pine forests to provide global environment benefits as well as enhanced resilience and livelihoods of local stakeholders in Pakistan. The FAO Project Associate will be responsible for day to day management of the project activities in each of the project in close coordination with respective provincial forest departments and other implementing partner organizations and will have both technical and operational responsibilities to ensure smooth implementation of the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Consolidate biannual, annual donor reports and collect MoV’s
• Assist in work plan consolidation/development and reporting.
• Assist NRM Advisor and Project Cordinators in organizing meetings with different stakeholders.
• Participate and prepare minutes of meetings held with different stakeholders.
• Provide support in organizing different consultations at provincial and district level.
• Follow up with communication focal person in all targeted areas and with communications team in Islamabad for coordination.
• Provide support in organizing Project Management and Project Steering Committees meetings.
• Ensure timely submission of Beneficiaries data in kobo software for M& E team in establishing and maintaining database
• Provide inputs in draft concept note, technical cooperation programmes and other FLR projects.
• Support the development of infographics, success stories
• Cone collection/production data analysis and Assistance in compilation of annual survey report.
• Coordination and timely reporting of the project activities and regular attending the procurement meetings.
• Facilitate HR Team regarding project Recruitment activities i.e. Recruitment of staff, consultants etc.
• Facilitate Project Procurement (Drafting specification, Purchase Request, Purchase Orders, LPC, Technical evaluations and clearing invoices) and Logistic Process (Distribution plans, inspection of inputs from warehouse to distribution points and transportation PRs. Etc.)
• Facilitate drafting of new LoAs and amendment of old LOAs with Forest Departments and tracking their finances.
• Draft relevant materials for project activities such as progress reports, project briefing notes, TCP, Concept notes, Project documents etc.
• Facilitate project staff regarding their field visits i.e. SC, ITAs, BTORs and regularly coordinate with the project staff for the follow up activities and bring there to the notes of the NRM Advisor.
• Any other task assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Forestry, Social Science and Natural Sciences.
• Minimum 5 years’ of relevant experience and experience with the UN and Donor Agencies will be an asset
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and fluency in Urdu. Knowledge of other languages Pashto is an asset.
• National of Pakistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in multicultural environment.
• Demonstrate capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time to meet goals in a high-pressure environment.
• Familiar with FAO procedures, and administrative protocols used in the United Nations system
• Possess strong coordination, communication, market linkages and computing skills
• Facilitate regular provincial level meetings/workshop and communicate to ensure full participation by all relevant stakeholders;
• Facilitate in successful implementation of the on-going project activities through engaging the Provincial level government offices;
• Assist Programs team in preparation and finalization of strategic documents related to Project implementation.
• Strong communication and presentation Skills
• Computer Skills in Microsoft Applications (Report writing/presentation)
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above. Preference should be given to local candidates and candidate with UN i.e. FAO previous experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION