Project Field Assistant

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Dihlabeng Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global agricultural organization seeks a Project Field Assistant to support project activities in the Philippines. The role requires a university degree in Agriculture or related fields and at least three years of experience in rural development sectors. The successful candidate will monitor activities, assist in reporting, and support capacity development initiatives. Proficiency in English and Filipino is essential. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable agrifood systems.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in fisheries/rural development sectors.
• Experience in program management and implementation.
• National of Philippines with English and Filipino language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Monitor implementation of project activities.
• Prepare progress reports on activities.
• Assist in designing project activities.

Skills

Agricultural knowledge

Community Development

Capacity building

Communication skills

Education

University degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related fields

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

• advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
• provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
• assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
• position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation;
• ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe 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, mechanization and modernization through improving post‑harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture‑based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

FAO, in partnership with UNIDO as lead agency is implementing the UN Joint Programme European Union Support for Resilient Mindanao (EU4Mindanao) in the Philippines. The project aims to strengthen the resilience and human security of vulnerable and left‑behind populations in conflict‑ and climate‑affected areas of Mindanao by promoting inclusive and climate‑resilient agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, and improved access to social protection and basic services. Specifically, FAO’s technical focus is on supporting small‑scale producers through climate‑smart production systems, farm learning hubs, context‑appropriate agricultural inputs, post‑harvest and primary processing facilities, and strengthened linkages to local value chains, while enhancing the capacities of local governments, community‑based organizations, and service providers. These interventions are underpinned by gender equality, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, conflict sensitivity, environmental and social safeguards.

The position is located in several provinces in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Project Field Assistant will report to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

The Project Field Assistant will provide support for the efficient, coordinated, and timely implementation of project activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring the timely implementation of project activities in the assigned province(s), ensuring that they are consistent with project objectives, work plans, and schedules.
• Regularly address operational bottlenecks or issues proactively and provide strategic support to improve project implementation in priority areas.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports on activities, highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations.
• Assist in the design of project activities and the development of technical materials in close collaboration with the project team leader and specialists.
• Support capacity development works, organizing and delivering trainings and workshops as required and in close coordination with the project team leader.
• Strengthen partnerships and inter‑agency efforts at the provincial level, including fostering collaboration as well as coordinated implementation on the ground.
• Coordinate and liaise regularly with provincial and local government partners, stakeholders and community organizations to facilitate smooth implementation of project activities.
• Assist in meetings and forums and ensure consistent communication and alignment with stakeholders.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the project team leader to support the project objectives.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in the field of Agriculture, Agribusiness, Community Development/Organizing, Development Studies or other related fields.
• At least three (3) years of relevant experience in fisheries/rural development sectors, programme management and implementation, capacity building, and coordination with national/regional government structures, NGOs and private sector and the UN agencies.
• A national of Philippines.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Filipino.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog.
• General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).

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