Program Assistant
Ngo & Social Services Jobs
- FAO - Food and Agriculture Or…
- Expires 09 Jan 2025
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing technical assistance to enhance the country's capacity to support youth participation in agrifood systems (TCP/ZIM/4003 (754112) project. This is a 1.5-year project (2025-2026), with two overall objectives, including (i) Developing a national strategy and investment plan for youths in agrifood systems strengthened and (ii) Capacitating and training youth and ministry personnel to better deliver the governance and leadership mandate on inclusion of youth in agrifood system improved. This initiative aligns closely with national priorities and strategies, particularly the Zimbabwe National Agriculture Policy, which emphasizes the need for inclusive agricultural development. Furthermore, it aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), highlights the importance of engaging youth in creating sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. By supporting youth participation, the project will contribute to national strategies aimed at poverty reduction, food security, and economic growth. Through targeted technical assistance, this project seeks to enhance Zimbabwe's institutional capacity to create a supportive environment for youth in agrifood systems. This includes providing technical assistance to the Zimbabwe government to develop strategies to engage youth in inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems in line with FAO's Strategic Framework and the FAO Rural Youth Action Plan. By building partnerships between public agencies, private sector actors, and youth organizations, we can ensure the sustainable engagement of youth in agriculture, ultimately contributing to resilient and inclusive agrifood systems in Zimbabwe.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Zimbabwe, direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative-Programme and technical oversight of the National Project Coordinator. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with technical officers in the country office and in HQ.
Technical Focus
The programme assistant will provide all the administration, procurement and logistics support needed to promote the mapping of youths in agrifood food systems policies and interventions, and ongoing development efforts of the national youth in agrifood system strategy. Moreso, s/he will provide support in the development of an inclusive Youth Investment Proposal and plan for establishment of Youth Innovation and Digital Technologies Hubs/Labs in the Agrifood Systems.
Duties and Responsibilities
Tasks and responsibilities
• Facilitate communication channels involved in the project via WhatsApp, e-mail, and other platforms
• Support the development, clearance, and signature process of project documents and supplier agreements (LoAs)
• Assist project implementation through periodic compilation of lessons learnt for sharing with the various programme management structures and stakeholders
• Provide logistical support as required by the projects, including organizing missions
• Respond to a variety of routine queries and provide clarifications on project matters; inform management and team members of processes, procedures and timeframes to secure administrative services needed for project execution
• Review data quality and maintain office records and reference files on various subjects pertinent to the project and the organization
• Monitor and regularly update the project's stakeholder database
• Keep up to date with national policies and research on how youths can be involved more
• Assist with the processing of Letter of Agreement (LoA) payments, Purchase Requisitions (PRs), and other administrative and operational tasks such as the organization of green jobs-related events and the facilitation of mission requests (e.g. Travel Authorisations etc)
• Assist with the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs) for affiliate workforce
• Assist collaboration of the project with the Hand-in-Hand Initiatives, Digital Villages, OCOP and other trust fund projects
Qualifications and Experience
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in international development, public policy, business administration, economics, agricultural, agribusiness, development studies, social sciences, or other related fields
• 2 years of relevant work experience in administration, youth project implementation, agricultural policy, agricultural business models, agri-food systems, rural development, youth employment issues or international development
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English
• National of Zimbabwe or resident of the country with valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
How to Apply
