FAO – Programme Assistant 

Programme Assistant

Job Posting

: 09/Oct/2024

Closure Date

: 31/Oct/2024, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: FRCVI – FAO Representation in Cabo Verde Job Field Category :

Job Type

: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

: Cabo Verde-Praia

Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values

FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The FAO has been in existence since its founding in 1945, making it one of the oldest specialized agencies of the United Nations. FAO Indonesia serves as a vital force in the nation’s agricultural development, committed to sustainability and food security. From more than 45 years operations, The FAO in Cabo verde focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security through sustainable farming practices and improved access to resources. The institution collaborates with government agencies and local communities to promote resilience to natural disasters and climate change in the agriculture sector. Additionally, the FAO supports policies and capacity-building initiatives aimed at achieving long-term sustainable development and poverty reduction in Cabo Verde.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Assistant will work under the overall managerial administrative leadership and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and FAO Representative, Programme Assistant.

Technical Focus

The Programme Assistant plays a key role in diverse agriculture and blue economy projects, from concept development to implementation oversight. The tasks include monitoring progress, maintaining documentation, and coordinating with stakeholders. The role extends to integrating key aspects like gender equality, youth involvement, and private partnerships into project proposals.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Assist in developing and preparing the draft of concept notes of agriculture-related projects to be reviewed by the direct supervisor.
•    Ensure timely and effective support implementation of ongoing projects.
•    Monitor project progress, identify challenges, and propose solutions to ensure project goals are met.
•    Maintain project documentation and records, including budgets, work plans, and progress reports.
•    Conduct field visits to project sites to monitor activities, assess impact, and identify areas for improvement.
•    Prepare monitoring reports highlighting key findings, achievements, and recommendations for project improvement.
•    Serve as the primary point of contact for consultants and service providers engaged in project activities.
•    Coordinate with consultants to ensure deliverables are met according to project timelines and quality standards.
•    Facilitate communication between consultants, project teams, and relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation.
•    Establish and maintain effective communication channels with government partners at various levels. Coordinate meetings, workshops, and consultations with government officials to discuss project progress, challenges, and priorities.
•    Assist in the development of project proposals, including conducting background research, drafting project concepts, and preparing budgets.
•    Act as focal point for several key aspects such as gender, youth, human rights, and private partnership.
•    Perform any other related tasks as per requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    Advanced university degree in Agriculture/Environmental/Natural Science, business administration and management, international relations or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
•    At least 5 years of professional experience in project management, preferably in the field of agriculture or rural development, or any other field related to the work of the Organization.
•    Working knowledge of one of the official languages of the Organization (English, French, Spanish, Russia, Arabe, Chinese).
•    Mastery of the Portuguese language, Creole for communication with partners and professionals in the sector.
•    National of Cabo Verde.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Excellent verbal and writing skills.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work is desirable.
•    Extent and relevant of experience in implementation of technical assistance projects, preferably in the areas of work of the Organization.
•    Extent and relevant in providing technical reports.

Selection Criteria

•    Prior experience to work with UN Agencies entities will be advantage.
•    In-depth knowledge of project management principles, including planning, monitoring, and evaluation especially in agriculture-related projects.
•    Strong experience writing, developing, and presenting technical content for external audiences.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
•    Able to work independently.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)

Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted

Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ 

For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. 

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT