Organizational Setting

Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) are required to communicate through the UNCCD secretariat on measures undertaken to implement the Convention. National reporting serves as an indispensable tool for effective planning and implementation of the Convention and the achievement of strategic objectives (SOs) at both global and national levels. Progress in implementing the UNCCD Strategic Framework is regularly reviewed through national reporting processes within the Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS). 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has received support from GEF 8 to establish an Enabling Activity project to support twenty-one countries, including Brazil, in effectively reporting through PRAIS during the 2025-2026 UNCCD reporting cycle. The project adopts an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach and focuses on strengthening national institutional and technical capacities to monitor land degradation in a spatially explicit manner and to estimate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Indicator 15.3.1, as required in PRAIS. This is done in line with the SDG 15.3.1 Good Practice Guidance and by integrating national knowledge and data into the reporting framework. This approach will empower Parties to submit reports that are not only more accurate and comprehensive, but also instrumental in driving impactful and informed decision-making at national and local levels. 
To strengthen the current process of reporting, FAO Brazil has also been requested by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to execute the remaining funds that were allocated to the previous UNCCD reporting cycle one (2021-2022). This collaboration aims to enhance the comprehensiveness, data base and stakeholders’ consultation for the second reporting cycle, which requires the recalculation of indicators for the base line (2000-2015), the first and the second reporting periods. Through this effort, FAO Brazil will help streamline the national monitoring, evaluation and reporting process to the UNCCD and foster greater national ownership of the results contributing to a more informed decision making.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Assistant Representative in FAO Brazil – Programme.

Technical Focus

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Representative of FAO Brazil and the technical guidance of the Better Environment Technical Area and the Technical Coordinator, and in close coordination with global expert team of the project GCP/ GLO/ 11848/ GFF, the Project Assistant will:

Provide operational and administrative support for the implementation of the UNCCD national reporting process, ensuring smooth coordination between technical, logistical, and financial activities.
The Project Assistant will also provide technical and operational support to other projects under the Better Environment portfolio, as required, contributing to overall team efficiency and institutional delivery.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Operational and Coordination Support

•     Support implementation of the approved Work Plan and reporting schedule.
•     Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, and technical briefings.
•     Prepare meeting minutes, summaries, and follow-up matrices.
•     Monitor deadlines and support tracking of deliverables from technical experts.

Technical and Reporting Support

•     Assist in compiling and organizing national data related to SO1–SO5.
•     Closely liaise with the global technical team of the GCP/ GLO/ 11848/ GFF through regular meetings
•     Support organization and basic processing of spatial datasets and related documentation.
•     Assist in consolidating draft sections, indicator tables, and annexes.
•     Format reports in accordance with FAO and UNCCD templates.
•     Support quality control by checking consistency between narrative sections and indicator tables.

Administrative and Financial Support

•     Support logistical arrangements and documentation for project activities.
•     Assist in monitoring budget execution and financial documentation.
•     Maintain organized project records and correspondence.
•     Provide administrative support for procurement and contracting processes when required.

Cross-Project Support

•     Provide operational and technical assistance to other initiatives under the Better Environment Technical Area, as needed.
•     Contribute to knowledge management, documentation, and reporting across projects within the portfolio.
•     Undertake any other related tasks as agreed with FAO supervisors.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements  

•     University degree in environmental sciences, geography, natural resources management, environmental engineering, public administration, or related fields
•     At least three years of professional experience in project support, environmental initiatives, reporting processes, or development cooperation
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese
•     Brazilian nationality

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Working knowledge of environmental governance and sustainable development frameworks;
•     Ability to organize and manage technical and administrative documentation efficiently;
•     Strong writing and communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams;
•     Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools.
•     Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems and basic understanding of spatial data organization and mapping processes is highly desirable
•     Familiarity with UNCCD, FAO, GEF, or related environmental frameworks is considered an asset; 
•     Practical experience supporting spatial data organization, monitoring systems, or environmental reporting processes is highly desirable. 
•     Spanish Knowledge will be considered an important additional asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION