Project Assistant

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 United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

FAO is providing technical assistance for the Climate Change Adaptation in Forest and Agricultural Mosaic Landscapes project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). The Forestry Department (FD) under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment provides overall government leadership, oversight, and coordination of project implementation. The FD works closely with other government agencies whose mandates align with project activities—particularly the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation

The project supports the Government of Zambia in strengthening the resilience of productive landscapes and rural communities through organizational innovations and the transfer of climate-smart technologies. Using a landscape approach, the project promotes the uptake and diffusion of adaptive practices through Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs), Farmer Field Schools, Water Point Committees, viable cooperatives, and other community-based structures, including community forestry groups. This participatory approach enables communities to identify their own forest, farm, and livelihood priorities, and to implement management and market-oriented strategies that enhance coordination across sectors.

By focusing on integrated landscape management, the project seeks to diversify rural livelihoods, improve climate resilience and adaptive capacities, and reduce vulnerability to climate risks—particularly droughts. Implementation is taking place in four districts with high vulnerability to climate hazards and significant rates of forest degradation: Petauke, Lusangazi and Nyimba in Eastern Province, and Sioma, Mwandi and Sesheke in Western Province.

The project has four main components:

1.    Strengthening management capacity within productive landscapes for climate resilience.

2.    Promoting innovations and technologies in agriculture and forestry value chains.

3.    Enhancing diversified farm-based livelihood strategies for climate change adaptation.

4.    Project monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination of results.

Through these components, the project aims to foster multi-sectoral coordination, improve knowledge-sharing between stakeholders, and contribute to Zambia’s broader efforts to achieve efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, in line with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Reporting lines

The Project Assistant will work under the overall supervision of FAO Representative and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (programmes) and in close collaboration with the relevant staff in FAO Zambia and counterpart entities, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:

Technical Focus

The Project Assistant will provide operational, technical, and knowledge management support for the Climate Change Adaptation in Forest and Agricultural Mosaic Landscapes project. The role will support the GEF Focal Point to coordinate monitoring and reporting activities and facilitate collaboration among the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Worldwide Fund for Nature and FAO to ensure the project remains in alignment with the GEF rules.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Project Coordination and Field Support- support the coordination of supervisory missions and overall project implementation 
•     Administrative and Logistical Support- support the maintenance of project records, filing systems, and contact databases.
•     Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management – support review of the progress and financial reports submitted by operating partner in alignment with the GEF rules, 
•     Track budget expenditures for project activities and flag any variances to the GEF Focal Point.
•     Carry out any other relevant tasks assigned by the FAOR, Assistant FAOR (Programmes), or GEF Focal Point to support achievement of project objectives.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     A university degree in agriculture, forestry or related studies
•     At least two (2) years of relevant experience in planning, coordination and administration support, and working with projects in the area of agriculture or forestry.
•     Working knowledge of the English language [i.e. spoken and written]
•     Should be a Zambian National

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in project planning, implementation, communications and events management. 
•     Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset. 
•     Familiarity with UN and GEF administrative, operational and financial procedures is an asset.
•     Past working experience with FAO or other UN Agencies on related issues is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION