Project Support Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, 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 Lao PDR assists the Government 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.

FAO and the DG European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) developed a 3-year Pilot Programmatic Partnership (PPP) for increasing capacities and scale for Anticipatory Action including through Social Protection systems, with a geographic focus on five countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Laos, along with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, and Vietnam. Reporting Lines Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Laos PDR, the Project Support Consultant will report directly to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and will work closely with, and receive technical guidance from, relevant RAP and Laos Country Office colleagues.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will closely collaborate with the technical officers, project coordinators, project assistant, as well as with government counterparts at national and provincial level to successfully assist in development of communication products under the emergency and resilience programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

The role of the Project Support Consultant will roughly comprise of four components: leading the cash transfer component and simulation exercises of the project, supporting social protection related activities, assisting AAP preparedness and activation, as well as administrative support for particular events, including the upcoming donor mission, coordination support and the preparation of legacy documents of the project.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the National Programme Specialist, RAP focal points and the project team, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks: • Spearhead the cash transfer work of the project, which includes the cash transfers to be provided during the simulation exercise and when/if drought activation occurs. • Develop concept notes outlining the steps to be taken for any cash-related interventions including simulation exercise and planned activation. • Draft, in close collaboration with operations and other relevant colleagues, long-term agreements with cash distribution service providers. • Provide guidance to field-based colleagues on cash programming, disaster risk financing, and social protection matters, as appropriate. • Support the testing of the World Bank Social Registry through conducting of beneficiary registration in project target villages. • Support the implementation of the simulation exercise in the target provinces. • Undertake field missions to project sites in order to support project implementation. • Conduct consultations at provincial, district and/or community level to identify potential anticipatory actions for AAP development. • Guide and support capacity building of Government of Laos counterparts and colleagues, as appropriate. • Contribute to composition of project related documents, including concept notes, communication pieces, presentations and updates. • Liaise with government counterparts, implementing partners, relevant stakeholder to ensure strong partnership and synergies at the central level. • Compose and provide inputs on official letters to be submitted to the Government of Laos on project related activities and matters. • Facilitate field missions for regional and HQ colleagues, and monitoring missions by the project donor. • Translate Lao/English as required for meetings, preparation of official letters and other events and documents as required. • Organize and administer other tasks as requested by supervisor.

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf ; French: https://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf ; Spanish: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339s/ac339s.pdf ; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf ; Chinese: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf ); FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm ; FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en ; Story guidelines http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf ; Story template http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf ; UN map standards (available to staff); FAO Brand and policy book (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in public or business administration, economics, social sciences, development studies, or another field related to the FAO mandate. • At least five years of relevant experience in project management and support. • Working knowledge (level C) of English • Nationals of Laos PDR

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Computer literacy: proficient in Microsoft Office word and excel applications. • Extent and relevance of experience in project implementation and administration support in UN agencies would be an asset. • Experience in operations-related matters, project planning and monitoring for the implementation of large emergency and/or development programmes. • Experience in financial and reporting procedures of the International Organization (preferably UN) would be an advantage. • Knowledge of FAO’s administrative, financial and operations IT systems would be an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.