Programme Assistant
Assist in diverse agriculture and blue economy projects' development and oversight.
Overview
Assist in diverse agriculture and blue economy projects' development and oversight.
You have:
- Advanced university degree in Agriculture or relevant field
- At least 5 years of professional experience in project management, preferably in the field of agriculture or rural development
- Working knowledge (C1) of English, French or Spanish
- Knowledge of Portuguese language, Creole would be considered as a strong asset
- National of Cabo Verde
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. 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 • Coordinate with consultants to ensure deliverables are met according to project timelines and quality standards. • Support communication between consultants, project teams, and relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation. • 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 or relevant field • 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(C1) of English, French or Spanish • Knowledge of Portuguese language, Creole would be considered as a strong asset • 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.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a situation where you had to monitor project progress and identify challenges. What steps did you take? | This question assesses your monitoring and problem-solving skills in project management. | Use a specific example to illustrate your approach to monitoring project progress and addressing challenges. |
| Can you provide an example of how you have integrated gender equality into a project you managed? | This question evaluates your commitment to gender equality in project implementation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure effective communication between project teams and external stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to prepare monitoring reports? Can you give a recent example? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Discuss your experience in developing project proposals. What key elements do you focus on? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your approach to building effective working relationships with consultants and stakeholders. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within project teams? Provide an example. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your strategy for conducting field visits to assess project impact? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |