Mission and objectives

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure 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. Join us in creating a world without hunger and poverty.

Context

Through its Country Offices or Representations, FAO provides policy advice, technical assistances and investment supports to its member states in ending hunger, addressing malnutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include advocating and formulation of relevant strategies and policies; introduction and dissemination of suitable approaches and technologies; design and implementation of country-tailored field projects; and liaison with government departments, UN Country Team, donor agencies and other development partners on subject matters related to FAO mandate areas. The FAO Representation in Malawi is developing and implementing field programmes and projects based on the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) in Malawi 2024-2028, focusing on three thematic priorities, including: 1) agriculture and food systems transformation; 2) sustainable natural resources management and environment protection; and 3) integrated disaster risk management and resilience building. The China-FAO-Malawi Tripartite South-South Cooperation Project on Technical Assistance in Support of the Agriculture Sector Wide Approach in Malawi (Phase II) is funded by Chinese Government and implemented by FAO in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of Malawi. The project aims at increasing sustainable agricultural production, productivity and profitability in Malawi through provision of technical assistance in promoting horticulture (vegetable and fruit), agro-machinery and livestock (molecular diagnostic and veterinary laboratory) technologies. Specifically, the project will field five long-term experts and two short-term experts to Malawi from the People’s Republic of China; implement prioritized training activities for government extension workers, research staff and community farmers; organize overseas study tours for selected government staff; and provide materials and laboratory equipment for the purposes of demonstration and training.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Project Assistant will: – Support communication between the Technical Expert Team (under the SSC Project) and the FAO country office, government counterparts and beneficiary groups through provision of oral and writing interpretations. – Support the project team in translations of documents and materials (including training materials) related to the project, specifically from English to Chinese and vice versa – Support the FAO Project Coordinator and the Project Support Specialist in formulating and implementing periodic project work and budget plans. – Assist with implementation and facilitation of field training and demonstration activities planned under the project. – Support project monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities, including preparation of periodic project progress reports. – Support the FAO country office in partnership building and donor liaison for the purpose of project implementation and new pipeline building for broader South-South cooperation. – Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. As an active FAO Malawi team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to FAO Malawi and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: – Quality interpretation and translation services provided to the Technical Expert Team. – Assistance provided to the formulation and implementation of periodic project plans. – Contribution made to implementation of field training and demonstration activities. – Contribution made to project monitoring, evaluation, learning activities and periodic reporting. – Good partnership established and maintained with relevant partners. – Support provided to new pipeline building for broader South-South Cooperation Chinese national are encouraged to apply!

Competencies and values

– Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to FAO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. – Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and FAO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. – Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues. – Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. – Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. – Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. – Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. – Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards FAO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Duty station of the assignment is in the suburb area of Blantyre, the largest city in Malawi with security guard, power and water supply and internet connection.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements