Project Field Assistant

Organizational Setting:

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

Reporting Lines:

The Project Field Assistant will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), direct supervision of the National Project Development and Coordination Specialist and PU Socio-Economic & DRR, CCA and ENR/ Forestry Team Leader, day to day guidance of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist and the National Fisheries Management Coordinator.

Technical Focus:

The Philippines is currently developing its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submission to the Paris Agreement. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has been facilitating this process through a whole-of-government approach to ensure inclusive process and foster ownership within among agencies. The Philippine NDC will be based on the overarching national policy and planning frameworks which include, among others, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC), National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), National Organic Agriculture Program, Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), Philippine Energy Plan (PEP), and AmBisyon Natin 2040 which will sustainably transition the Philippine economy as fast as technologically feasible into low-carbon development, protecting without compromise the interests of the Filipino people, especially those most vulnerable. FAO support will focus on providing technical assistance to the Government and increase their capacities for a low-carbon development pathway for Philippine agriculture and fisheries.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Project Field Assistant will carry out the following tasks: 1. Coordinate with and manage local correspondence with the provincial and municipal governments of Zamboanga del Norte, and with the regional and provincial offices of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the scheduling, convening, and conduct of meetings, trainings, workshops, and other project activities; 2. Coordinate with and assist in the convening of key local stakeholders such as fishing communities, local NGOs and peoples’ organizations, and others for participation in the various project activities; 3. Provide overall support to the project technical specialists led by the National Fisheries Management Coordinator in the conduct of capacity-building activities, such as trainings and workshops in Zamboanga del Norte; this support includes, but not limited to canvassing and setting up of training/workshop venues, attendance keeping, and documentation; 4. Assist in the preparation of materials such as letters, concept notes, programs/agenda, and powerpoint presentations, and other communications as required; 5. Coordinate and assist in the field visits of the project technical specialists in the different municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte; 6. Receive feedback from project partners and beneficiaries, and forward these concerns to the project team; 7. Inform project team on the existing and potential field implementation problems and issues that require immediate attention, and recommend viable alternatives to resolve problems and issues; 8. Assist in administrative duties as they are required on field, as guided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist; 9. Perform other related duties as required by the Project technical specialists and FAO Representative;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• The candidate must have an University Degree (masters) in agriculture, fisheries, environmental studies or management, community development, or related fields; • At least two (2) years’ work experience in a development or research project; • A national of the Philippines or resident in the Philippines with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) • Language requirement: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English