National Programme Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is implementing in Iraq, including Karbala as a duty station, 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 farmers and vulnerable unemployed households and strengthen food security for all.

The position is located in Karbala.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative in Iraq and Deputy, direct supervision of the Technical Advisors an din coordination with the relevant units in RNE and HQ, the incumbent will perform the below tasks.

Technical Focus

Agriculture and livestock value chains, production, technologies and capacity building.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in organizing meetings with key stakeholders including government counterparts, academia, research institutions, NGOs in Karbala and Central Governorates that are active in FAO relevant fields and in implementation and supervision of project activities day to day;
• Act as focal points for FAO activities in the Central governorates,
• Conduct field visit sites of project implementation as required;
• Conduct regular monitoring of the progress and evaluation of the results/ benefits of the projects implemented in Karbala and neighboring governorates as requested by the International Technical Advisors;
• Assist the Country Office in the implementation of agriculture related activities in the South in coordination with the Project International Technical Advisors;
• Provide technical advice in the area crops and vegetables, including preparation of technical specifications of the project`s inputs;
• Support the identification of potential project target areas, beneficiary selection and prioritization of field activities and scheduling based on ground priorities;
• Supervise distribution of inputs to selected beneficiaries including wheat crop seeds, fertilizers, vegetable seeds and
tools in line with all set criteria
• Prepare regular updates on work plan implementation status and project reports based on FAO and donor requirements;
• Ensure FAO Karbala premises are maintained;
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, economics, natural resources,agriculture, economics, natural resources, or related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience in the same field.
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic languages.
• National of Iraq.
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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