Project Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is implementing in Iraq a holistic value-chain approach, addressing the underlying need to strengthen government plans and resources, while also building the capacity of producers and market actors of strategic value chains. By bolstering agriculture production and management techniques, processing and marketing, FAO will directly and indirectly support smallholder farmer and vulnerable unemployed households and strengthen food security for all.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative in Iraq, the FAO Programme Unit, and under the direct responsibility of the National Project Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the projects’ staff, the Project Assistant will assist in the coordination and facilitating the entire livestock/fodder project activities in project sites in Karbala Governorate, helping in managing day-to-day activities and guiding field extension staff to ensure efficient and timely implementation of project activities.

Technical Focus

FAO is implementing a programme in Iraq (funded by Norway) focusing on capacity building of agricultural technicians and farmers on the use of developed protocol and standards in the production of feeds/forage for small and large ruminants, good agricultural practices and technologies on livestock production. Similarly, the project aims to promote and disseminate information on livestock production systems in farming communities in Iraq.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as the focal point for all FAO-Nor funded projects related to Livestock/Fodder Components in Karbala Governorates.
• Coordinate and facilitate fieldwork for Livestock project extension staff, including implementation, monitoring, training, and Farmer Field Schools (FFS).
• Assist in the implementation of project interventions, including consultation meetings, identification of project villages and beneficiaries, and distributions related to Livestock/Fodder Components.
• Timely collection and consolidation of monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports from implementing livestock extension officers. Compile, summarize, and submit reports to the project management unit.
• Stay well-informed and updated on all livestock project activities in assigned and other adjacent targeted districts.
• Develop strong relationships and liaise with local authorities at the governorate and district levels.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly concept notes, project briefs, and reports.
• Assist in synthesizing best practices and lessons learned from FAO-FAO-funded projects for sharing between program participants and external partners. Develop briefs on project achievements and documents, including lessons learned.
• Closely monitor the implementation of livestock/fodder project activities to timely identify and solve any problems.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports with detailed information regarding project activities. Reports should be prepared in both Arabic and English for sharing with local partners, including local Ministry of Agriculture services.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, veterinary epidemiology or related field.
• At least Five years of relevant experience in animal health, infectious disease management, including regulatory aspects, standard setting.
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic languages.
• National of Iraq.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Hands-on experience and proven records of monitoring complex programmes and/or projects, and coordination with different stakeholders.
• Demonstrated work experience and skills in project management including familiarity with the development of results frameworks, logical framework, and results-based project work plans and budget.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
• Strong skills in organizing and leading consultative processes involving various stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and experience working in multicultural environment.
• Good communication, writing and presentation skills in English and Arabic.
• Knowledge of FAO’s core mandated areas an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION