Field Project Assistant (CIRCULAR) – 2 positions

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is currently implementing a 3-year project under the Multi-Donor Action “Circular Economy in the Food Sector” (CIRCULAR) which is jointly implemented with Expertise France (EF) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the European Union (EU). The FAO project under CIRCULAR seeks to address critical issues such as food loss and waste reduction, circularity applied to agri-food systems, and the transition away from single-use plastics from producers up to wholesalers. By leveraging multi-stakeholder partnerships and socio-technological interventions the project seeks to not only mitigate agri-food system climate impacts but also contribute to economic and social well-being.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), the technical supervision of the Food Loss Waste Specialist, and in close collaboration with the International Project Management Specialist and Circular Economy Project Coordinator the incumbent will contribute to timely implementation of the project performing specific tasks.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in project operational activities at the project locations in accordance with project document and implementation plan
• Assist in implementing project activities efficiently and effectively
• Provide effective support to the national and international consultants on project implementation
• Coordinate and oversee field activities related to project implementation in the relevant geographical location, ensuring alignment with project objectives, work plans, and timelines.
• Facilitate community engagement and participation in project activities, including awareness-raising campaigns, focus group discussions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Ensure the timely and accurate collection of field data and information, including monitoring and evaluation data, progress reports, and case studies, to support project monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Assist in the organization of capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and demonstration activities for project beneficiaries, including farmers, producers, processors, and other stakeholders in collaboration with project staff, for instance, the communications specialist.
• Support the documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from field activities, and contribute to knowledge-sharing and dissemination efforts within the project team and wider stakeholder community.
• Collaborate with the Project Management Unit and other project staff to identify and address any challenges or bottlenecks in field operations and propose solutions to enhance project effectiveness and impact.
• Ensure compliance with FAO and donor rules and regulations, including safety and security protocols, procurement procedures, and ethical standards, in all field activities.
• Liaise with local partners, government officials, and other stakeholders as needed for project implementation.
• Undertake any other field-related tasks as directed by the Project Management Unit to support the overall objectives of the CIRCULAR project.
• Undertake any related tasks as requested by AFAOR (Programme).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A University degree in international relations, engineering, agriculture, environment sciences or any other relevant field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, field operations, or community development, preferably in the agriculture or environmental sector.
• Working knowledge of English and working knowledge of Sinhala and/or English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating field activities, including stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, and data collection, in a development context Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and project beneficiaries.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and project management tools, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, propose solutions, and implement corrective actions promptly.
• Knowledge of FAO policies, procedures, and project management tools is desirable.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team, with a proactive and results-oriented approach to work.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in working with government, regional and international development agencies.
• Extent and relevance of experience in related sectors.
• Experience in coordinating and liaising with industry, academia, national authorities, UN agencies, donors, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
• Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector will be considered an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION