Project Assistant

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Office, headed by an FAO Representative, 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. FAO Kyrgyzstan assists the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to develop policies, programmes and projects to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

In this context, the FAO is implementing in collaboration with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the GEF- funded project “Implementation of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety” (GCP/KYR/023/GFF). Project activities are aligned to the immediate needs, particularly those associated with the post-COVID socio-economic rehabilitation framework, as well as longer term development challenges associated with Agenda 2030 and beyond. This assignment will contribute to project objective, such as provision of technical guidance and assistance for the implementation of the regulatory framework on biosafety at the national level, including the establishment of administrative systems and institutional arrangements, such as laboratories for LMO detection and human resource capacities in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative for Kyrgyzstan and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative in the KR, Project Assistant will assist the National Technical Chief Advisor in the daily administration of the project work.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for coordination and communication with project partners and stakeholders; translate documents from/into Russian, English, and Kyrgyz; administrative support during the meetings and workshops; perform all necessary secretarial services.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Project Assistant will provide high-level support to:

• Assist in the preparation of logistics, materials, and resources for workshops and training sessions. • Assist the National Technical Chief Advisor in managing administrative and financial matters and ensure that all information is accurate • Provide logistical support to the NTCA and project consultants in conducting different project activities (training workshops, stakeholder consultations, arrangements of field visits, etc.) • Assist in organizing control of budget expenditures by preparing payment documents, and compiling financial reports • Assist in organizing and coordinating the procurement of services and goods under the project • Perform all administrative and accounting duties, following FAO standard procedures and requirements • Maintain receipts and invoices of all expenditures incurred and submit copies, together with the expenditure report to the BH; • Assist in the arrangements for internal travel of project staff as required. • Assist in the timely implementation of procurement plan and contracts according to FAO procedures; • Provide administrative and logistical support for field missions; • Perform any other duties to ensure successful implementation of all FAO in Kyrgyzstan; • Assist in editing various versions of the documents and reports; • Contribute to ensuring project deliverables are completed within time and in accordance with the work plan; • Contribute to daily project management - both organizational and substantive matters – budgeting, planning and general monitoring of the project; • Prepare, and agree with FAO on terms of reference for national and international consultants and subcontractors; • Guide the work of consultants and subcontractors and oversee compliance with the agreed work plan; • Ensure adequate information flow, discussions and feedback among the various stakeholders of the project. • Contribute to the development of concept notes, project documents, project briefs and reports. • Contribute project progress/status reports, proceedings, meeting agenda and other relevant documentation etc required for smooth implementation of project activities. • Liaise and follow up with the National Ministries/ other partner agencies on projects related activities as and when required. • Prepare project progress/status reports, proceedings, meeting agenda and other relevant documentation etc required for smooth implementation of project activities. • Perform any other related duties and activities as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A university degree in business administration, management planning or related fields; • At least 3 years of experience in programme/administration; Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc); • Excellent working knowledge of English and Russian languages, Kyrgyz is an asset; • National of the Kyrgyz Republic.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional skills

• Excellent communication and inter-personnel skills. • Proven leadership skills, demonstrated ability to promote new approaches and new practices. • Knowledge on UN system is an asset. • Experience in programme/project matters with international organizations would be desirable.

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