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.

Reporting Lines

The Module Assistant (MA) will be under the direct supervision of the Module Leader/ LTO and provide support to all Personnel in the Better Module.  In addition, the MA will be in regular consultation and coordination with the Assistant FAO Representatives (AFAOR) and Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) under FAO SAP. The MSA shall provide operational, administrative and technical support for the identification, design and implementation of projects and programs within the countries covered by FAOSAP.

Technical Focus

The Module Assistant undertakes high level and specialized Module support. He/she supports work of the Better Environment with the associated corporate initiatives and ensures quality, efficiency, transparency and consistency of functions and processes. The MA requires in-depth knowledge and interpretation of FAO policies, procedures and practices; and maintains a wide range of contacts with managers and staff within and outside the organization. He/she works closely with colleagues at various level in the Module team in the handling of specialized processes and the provision of experienced Module support as will be directed.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Participate in the development and monitoring of assigned Module and projects, and provide technical, operational and administrative support, identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions, liaise with relevant parties, identifies and tracks follow-up actions;
•    Collect and compile data on Module and project activities to support monitoring and reporting on Module and project delivery;
•    Support activities related to budget and funding (program/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and related documents/reports;
•    Coordinate the operational, administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement;
•    Maintain the up-to-date financial status of the projects under the module including the database of LoA and commercial contracts;
•    Monitor and liaise with the concerned staff in finalizing the reports, documents, publications and correspondence related to the work of the Module and projects;
•    Take the lead on monitoring of consultants and national counterparts over project implementation;
•    Support consultations with PICs to identify their needs;
•    Coordinate the meetings, seminars, conferences and events including implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make operational and administrative arrangements of travels, etc.;
•    Review and direct correspondence, calls and queries to appropriate contacts; provide for background information; respond to routine enquiries;
•    Prepare project and LOA closure reports, news articles and feed for FAO media handles, organize BE Module’s photo and videos and communications products.
•    Perform other related duties, as assigned by the supervisor

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

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.

Reporting Lines

The Module Assistant (MA) will be under the direct supervision of the Module Leader/ LTO and provide support to all Personnel in the Better Module.  In addition, the MA will be in regular consultation and coordination with the Assistant FAO Representatives (AFAOR) and Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) under FAO SAP. The MSA shall provide operational, administrative and technical support for the identification, design and implementation of projects and programs within the countries covered by FAOSAP.

Technical Focus

The Module Assistant undertakes high level and specialized Module support. He/she supports work of the Better Environment with the associated corporate initiatives and ensures quality, efficiency, transparency and consistency of functions and processes. The MA requires in-depth knowledge and interpretation of FAO policies, procedures and practices; and maintains a wide range of contacts with managers and staff within and outside the organization. He/she works closely with colleagues at various level in the Module team in the handling of specialized processes and the provision of experienced Module support as will be directed.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Participate in the development and monitoring of assigned Module and projects, and provide technical, operational and administrative support, identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions, liaise with relevant parties, identifies and tracks follow-up actions;
•    Collect and compile data on Module and project activities to support monitoring and reporting on Module and project delivery;
•    Support activities related to budget and funding (program/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and related documents/reports;
•    Coordinate the operational, administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement;
•    Maintain the up-to-date financial status of the projects under the module including the database of LoA and commercial contracts;
•    Monitor and liaise with the concerned staff in finalizing the reports, documents, publications and correspondence related to the work of the Module and projects;
•    Take the lead on monitoring of consultants and national counterparts over project implementation;
•    Support consultations with PICs to identify their needs;
•    Coordinate the meetings, seminars, conferences and events including implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make operational and administrative arrangements of travels, etc.;
•    Review and direct correspondence, calls and queries to appropriate contacts; provide for background information; respond to routine enquiries;
•    Prepare project and LOA closure reports, news articles and feed for FAO media handles, organize BE Module’s photo and videos and communications products.
•    Perform other related duties, as assigned by the supervisor

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Bachelor’s degree in business administration, business management, information systems, communication or related fields.
•    At least three years of relevant experience in project/programme planning, monitoring and implementation.
•    Working knowledge of the English language
•    National of Samoa or resident in Samoa with a valid Work Permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria 

•    Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.

•    Bachelor’s degree in business administration, business management, information systems, communication or related fields.
•    At least three years of relevant experience in project/programme planning, monitoring and implementation.
•    Working knowledge of the English language
•    National of Samoa or resident in Samoa with a valid Work Permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•    Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.