National Project Assistant (Fiji)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is located in Apia, Samoa and covers 14 Pacific Island countries. The project “Strengthening Small-scale fisheries in the Pacific Islands” is funded by the Government of Canada for a two-year period and includes three Pacific island countries (Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands).

The project includes the following components:

Outcome 1: Strengthened national and local management capacity in small-scale fisheries for climate change adaptation through a gender-sensitive approach

Outcome 2: National and local actors are better prepared for natural disasters and climate change impacts, resulting in reduced vulnerability

Outcome 3: Resilient fisheries value chains developed that reduce vulnerability of fishers and women in coastal communities to climate related changes, extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Assistant will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific and will directly report to the Project Technical Adviser and project’s Lead Technical Officer. He/she will also liaise closely with other technical, operational and administrative colleagues.

Technical Focus

FAO has been implementing various fisheries projects in the Pacific Islands. One of the projects being implemented in the region supported by the Government of Canada is the project entitled “Strengthening Small-scale fisheries in the Pacific Islands”. This project has been designed with a long-term vision of improving the resilience of coastal communities in Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu through improved capacity to adapt management of nearshore resources to climate change and by reducing vulnerabilities including through a focus on gender equity.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the direct supervision and guidance of the Project Technical Adviser (PTA), in close collaboration with the Assistant FAO Representative in Fiji, the Project Manager and project staff, the National Project Specialist will have the following tasks and responsibilities:

• With guidance from the PTA, the Project Manager and the LTO, prepare a detailed work plan for the project activities in Fiji in close collaboration with national counterparts, stakeholders and partners.
• Contribute to the identification of potential consultants and contractors
• Contribute to the drafting and review of the terms of reference for consultants and contractors, Letters of Agreements, and service contracts
• Advise on technical specifications for procurement of equipment, inputs and materials.
• Organize, facilitate and/or attend national meetings, forums and workshops.
• Monitor progress of project activities and outputs in the Fiji and alert the project team to potential problems, which could delay implementation.
• Provide technical assistance to the implementation and training activities at the country level, as required.
• Provide inputs for communication pieces related to the project.
• Maintain regular coordination and communication with project partners’ personnel in charge of project activities, country focal points and project partners
• Prepare high quality narrative progress reports, utilizing inputs from project partners and stakeholders.
• Provide regular oral and written updates to the Project Manager, Project Technical/Gender Advisor, DRR/DRM specialist, Assistant FAO Representative in Suva, the project team and the Government focal point on project progress, upon request.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the international and national experts in carrying out their terms of reference related to the project.
• Conduct regular field missions within Fiji to monitor and ensure smooth implementation of project activities and provide assistance to the implementation and training activities at the country level.
• Any other duties required to support a successful implementation of the project in the Fiji.
• Any other duties as relevant and requested by supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Development Studies, Food Security, Fisheries, Gender Studies, Economics, Political Sciences, or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the fisheries and / or development sector.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English.
• National of Fiji.
• Currently residing or willing to relocate to Fiji.
• Ability to travel frequently within Fiji to project sites (contingent on any COVID-19 travel restrictions).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in supporting or managing projects in a field related to food security, including fisheries, nutrition and/or livelihoods.
• Experience with FAO or another UN agency would be viewed favourably.
• Competency and experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and donors.

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/