Technical Assistant – Loss and Damage from Climate Change (Agriculture Sector)

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. FAOs 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.

FAO Country Offices working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO facilitated through partnerships resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically FAO Country Offices:

advocate inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAOs mandate;
provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

For more than four decades FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines civil society community-based organizations the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production promoting value-adding practices mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters climatic hazards and armed conflict.

Under the FAO TCP/RAS/4008 project the Philippines is one of four participating countries undertaking national-level actions to strengthen the countrys technical and institutional capacity to access and utilize the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) and related technical support mechanisms including the Santiago Network thereby averting minimizing and addressing climate-induced losses and damages in the agri-food systems. National activities build on regional-level assessments methodologies and typologies and aim to localize these outputs through capacity development strategic planning and project pipeline development.

The position is located in Mandaluyong City Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Assistant will report to the Assistant FAO Representative for Programmes in the Philippines and will be under the guidance of the Environment Programme Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The Technical Assistant will provide operational coordination and technical support to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of national-level activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

Support day-to-day implementation of national-level project activities in line with the approved workplan and timelines.
Assist in coordinating with DA focal points FAO technical staff consultants and other stakeholders.
Maintain updated activity schedules contact lists and coordination records.
Provide logistical and administrative support for training workshops stakeholder consultations and validation meetings including:
oParticipant coordination and invitations
oVenue arrangements and materials preparation
oDocumentation of proceedings and attendance
Assist in compiling training materials presentations and workshop reports.
Support the Coordinator in:
oCollecting and organizing background materials data and references related to climate-induced L&D in agriculture.
oDrafting formatting and consolidating technical documents including baseline reviews strategy drafts consultation summaries and engagement plans.
Assist in organizing feedback from stakeholders and incorporating comments into revised documents.
Provide administrative and technical assistance in the preparation of project pipeline documents and concept notes.
Help compile inputs such as problem statements indicative budgets and institutional information as guided by FAO staff and consultants.
Support preparation of periodic progress updates and internal reports.
Maintain organized digital project files and documentation.
Assist in capturing lessons learned good practices and key recommendations for final project documentation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

University degree in agriculture environmental studies climate change development studies or related field
At least 5 years of relevant experience in project support coordination or technical assistance
Working knowledge (level C) of English and Filipino
National of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog
General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software such as MS Office (Word Excel Power Point)
Familiarity with climate change agriculture or disaster risk management is an asset
Strong organizational and coordination skills
Good drafting documentation and communication skills
Experience with FAO or UN projects is an advantage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION