National Project Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, and through four Betters (Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life) and leaving no one behind.

FAO, through the DG European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) partnership, developed a regional project for increasing capacities and scale for Anticipatory Action including through Social Protection systems. The project is being implemented in five countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, Lao PDR, Viet Nam. In Lao PDR, in addition to implementing the project with relevant ministries at the national level, the primary targets at the sub-national level are the provinces of Luang Prabang and Savannakhet. Target districts will be identified after completing the feasibility study and upon the agreement by government.

The project has four main objectives: (i) establishing Anticipatory Action Protocols (AAPs) to be tested and documented in close collaboration with humanitarian and national partners; (ii) exploring and studying how Social Protection systems can be adapted to anticipate crises; (iii) implementing anticipatory actions to protect vulnerable livelihoods against shocks; and (iv) gathering evidence, learning and advocacy on the effectiveness of anticipating crises as a key complement to the existing humanitarian response model.

The Anticipatory Action and Shock-Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) is a growing portfolio agenda in the country. Anticipatory Action and SRSP are innovative approaches designed to protect families, their lives, well-being, livelihoods and assets ahead of a hazard. Cash transfers have further been identified as key modalities to be implemented through or beside existing Social Protection mechanisms. Acting before a disaster is crucial – it can safeguard lives and livelihoods, build resilience to future shocks, and ease pressure on strained humanitarian resources. This initiative is supported by several resource partners including the DG ECHO, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Assistant reports to the International Operations Specialist. The Project Assistant will also work in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator and Programme Development Specialist and field staff.

Technical Focus

Field project implementation, procurement, administration, contract management, logistics and human resources

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to ensure smooth and timely implementation of project activities in compliance with FAO administrative and financial rules and regulations.
• Maintain linkages with FAO administrative and programme support units as well as government counterparts, partners on administrative and financial matters as required in a timely manner.
• Compile, verify and process all related documents for payments and expenses of duty travels in country, trainings, and workshops, as well as settlement of check advances in accordance with the FAO’s rules and regulations;
• Assist in the procurement processes for project goods, supplies, and services
• Create vendor, process purchase requisitions and purchase orders for Goods and Services, Travel Authorization and Travel Expense Claims in the Global Resources Management System (GRMS);
• Responsible for logistics arrangement for meetings, trainings, workshops etc. with internal and external counterparts;
• Assist in preparation of Letters of Agreement.
• Support the setup of the project team and recruitment process of project staff.
• Maintain the filing system of the programme and document repository
• Assist project personnel on general administrative matters
• Maintain inventory of project/ programme’s assets.
• Ensure office running including office supplies (i.e. stationary, utilities, telephones, internet, etc…), ground maintenance, security, transportation and other office services as applicable.
• Support with the projects’ operations within the programme.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in business administration, public management, law, social sciences or other related fields of the organization.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience, preferably with international organizations including INGOs, bilateral or multi-lateral agencies, and with UN agencies is desirable.
• Basic working knowledge of English
• Nationality of Lao

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in project implementation, procurement and administrative support.
• Experience in working with the government counterpart.
• Good communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office package

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• 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/