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. FAO's 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 FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    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.

The position is located in Quezon City, Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Project Assistant, under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Representative in the Philippines, direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator of the Resilient Philippines Project (GCP/PHI/082/PAF), in close collaboration with HQ and RAP Pandemic Fund Coordinators and DTRA Regional Project Coordinator (OSRO/RAS/404/USA).

Technical Focus

Support the implementation of Resilient Philippines Project (GCP/PHI/082/PAF) and other projects on Animal Production and Health, being implemented in the Philippines.

•     One Health
•     Animal Health
•     Surveillance
•     Laboratory
•     Epidemiology
•     Workforce Development
•     Antimicrobial Resistance
•     Risk Communication
•     Community Engagement
•     Environmental Science
•     Zoonotic Diseases
•     Transboundary Animal Diseases

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Provide over-all support in implementing the programs and activities under Resilient Philippines Project (GCP/PHI/082/PAF) and other projects implemented by the FAO ECTAD in the Philippines;
•     Support the project team in coordinating the projects and their activities to relevant partners and stakeholders;
•     With the guidance of the project team, will assist in the preparations and conduct of different training, workshops, meetings, as well as conduct of follow-through activities in the following technical areas – laboratory, surveillance and early warning, epidemiology, workforce development, AMR, communications and community engagement, among others;
•     Take part in relevant training, workshop, and meetings and assist in the preparation of reports, updates, or communications in various social media platforms and FAO sites, on the outcomes of the activity;
•     Assist in the development, implementation, and data collection and analysis of different initiatives and activities as requested;
•     Assist in the preparation and implementation of advocacy and awareness campaigns, farm level data generation, and other relevant initiatives following One Health approach;
•     Assist in the monitoring of progress against the project work plan and logframe by tracking activities, targets, and indicators;
•     Assist in ensuring administrative and financial matters/transactions concerning the project are conducted in accordance with FAO guidelines, in collaboration with the project team;
•     Assist in the preparation of project reports, briefs and various correspondence with FAO PH, RAP, & FAO HQ and government partners;
•     If requested, participate in regional discussions, travel missions and online meetings;
•     Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or for non-DVM applicants must have an advanced degree in epidemiology/animal health/public health or related field.
•     For DVM and non-DVM with Advance degree, at least 3 years of experience in laboratory, surveillance, epidemiology, community engagement, etc.
•     Fon non-DVM applicants without advance degrees, at least 5 years of experience in laboratory, surveillance, epidemiology, community engagement, etc.
•     Working knowledge of English (C) is required
•     A national of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•     In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•     Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•     Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•     General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION