Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works towards achieving sustainable agricultural development, food security, and nutrition globally. In Lebanon, FAO plays a crucial role in addressing the unique food security and nutrition challenges faced by the country. With its presence and operations in Lebanon, FAO in Lebanon (FAO-B) aims at strengthening the agricultural sector, improving food security, and enhancing the nutritional well-being of vulnerable populations. The objective is to address the challenges and promote sustainable solutions to ensure food security, improve nutrition outcomes, and enhance the resilience of food systems. 

Since 2011 in Lebanon, the contribution of the SDG-2 related sectors such as agriculture, forestry, livestock and fishing at aggregate level decreased from 3.9 percent to 3.2 percent. SDG2 related sectors are vital for peripheral governorates such as Akkar, Baalbak-Hermel, Beqaa, Nabatiyeh, South Lebanon and North Lebanon where the poverty rate is significantly higher than the national average, especially among women. Poverty rates increased from 28% in 2019 to 82% in 2021 (ESCWA, 2021).

FAO’ support in Lebanon has been focusing on agricultural and rural development, sustainable natural resources management and resilience as follows: (i) Promoting agricultural development and rural poverty alleviation through the support to agriculture production systems; (ii) Enhancing the resilience of communities hosting Syrian refugees; (iii) promoting investments in agriculture and agri-food value chains with a view to generating employment and other livelihood opportunities; and (iv) Promoting sustainable management of natural resources through the adoption of climate smart agriculture and Good Agricultural Practices and support to long-term reforestation and forest landscape restoration efforts, such as the Government’s”40 Million trees Programme’’.

Rising inflation and record high depreciation of the local currency continued to be key drivers of food insecurity impacting all the analysed population groups according to the last Integrated Phase Classification for Acute Food Insecurity carried out for May-October 2023 in Lebanon. Unemployment continued to affect a quarter of the Lebanese population, with higher impact on specific groups such as women and youth. In addition, despite high levels of humanitarian and social assistance in the first quarter of 2023, the value of assistance does not cover the minimum requirements to meet basic food needs. 

Reporting Lines

Under the supervision of the Resilience and Liaison Officer and the Budget Holder (FAO Representative in Lebanon), and in coordination with the procurement, administrative and logistics units, the role of the project assistant involves providing comprehensive administrative support to the OSRO/LEB/200/ROK project.

Technical Focus 

Duties include and not limited to facilitating communication among internal stakeholders, coordinating logistics, organizing travel and accommodation, aiding in Cash for Work activities, liaising with relevant partners.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide general administrative assistance to the OSRO/LEB/200/ROK project components;
•    Provide support to the project in the preparation of meetings, conferences, seminars etc. and assist in the preparation of the minutes and proceedings,
•    Facilitate communication and coordination among project stakeholders, including partner organizations, beneficiaries, and community members.
•    Assist in coordinating project logistics, procurement, contracting, distribution of materials, and venue arrangements to ensure duly implementation of all project activities.
•    Organize staff travel and accommodation when needed;
•    Provide support to the preparation of documentation relevant for disbursement of Cash for Work activities
•    Assist in maintaining project databases, records, documentations, archiving and filing systems. Ensure accuracy and completeness of project data (inventory and archive, including outputs of consultants, correspondence, finance etc);
•    Assist in the preparation of the procurement and purchase requisitions and support the preparation of Letters of Agreement (LOA), obtain clarification and follow up, 
•    Assist in monitoring project activities and milestones, and contribute to project reports,
•    Assist in financial management tasks such as expenses, and maintaining financial records in compliance with project guidelines,
•    Provide assistance to final editing of the reports;
•    Follow up and report on financial transactions in the administrative systems,
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    High school diploma / Secondary education, academic or technical. 
•    Three years of relevant experience in general project/office operational activities, admin support functions. 
•    Working knowledge of Arabic and English.
•    National of Lebanon or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work. 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture/compost.
•    Extent and relevance of experience with farmers
•    Good knowledge of MS office applications including Excel, Word and Power Point. 
•    Excellent written and oral presentation skills. 
•    Highly accurate and organized.
•    Ability to meet deadlines. 
•    Awareness on the importance of gender equality and women empowerment among farmers and beneficiaries.