Organizational Setting

FAO Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UNICEF, WFP and WHO, is implementing a Joint United Nations Nutrition (UNN) Programme aimed at improving climate resilience, food security and nutrition in four districts of Sierra Leone.
The programme adopts a multi-sectoral approach, targeting vulnerable populations (particularly women, youth, and children) and contributes to national priorities such as the Feed Salone Strategy and UNSDCF outcomes.

The Joint Programme focuses on three core outcomes:
•     Strengthened climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods 
•     Improved access to quality, nutrition-sensitive services 
•     Enhanced governance and coordination in food and nutrition systems

Within this framework, FAO leads on agriculture, value chain development, and resilience-building interventions, including support to farmer groups, agro-processing, and community-level systems.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, and the direct supervision of the Technical Coordinator, the Project Assistant will support the effective implementation of FAO-led components of the Joint Programme.

The incumbent will work in close collaboration with:

•     Government counterparts (MAFS and decentralized structures) 
•     UN partner agencies (UNICEF, WFP, WHO) 
•     Implementing partners and NGOs 
•     FAO programme and operations teams

Technical Focus

The Project Assistant will provide integrated operational, administrative, and coordination support to ensure:
•     Timely implementation of project activities 
•     Effective delivery of outputs across districts 
•     Compliance with FAO procedures and donor requirements 
•     Strengthened coordination among stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Support the implementation of project activities across targeted districts in line with approved workplans;
•     Assist in tracking progress against project outputs, indicators, and timelines;
•     Contribute to the preparation and monitoring of annual, quarterly and monthly workplans; 
•     Liaise with government institutions, implementing partners, NGOs and UN agencies to facilitate coordinated implementation; 
•     Support organization of coordination meetings, technical workshops, and field missions; 
•     Facilitate communication between field teams and central project management;
•     Initiate and follow up on procurement and administrative actions in FAO systems (GRMS); 
•     Assist in preparation and review of procurement documentation; 
•     Track procurement processes to ensure timely delivery of inputs and services; 
•     Support budget monitoring and assist in preparation of budget revisions; 
•     Collect, compile and validate data on project activities and outputs; 
•     Support preparation of high-quality reports (technical, operational, donor reports); 
•     Maintain project documentation and filing systems (including beneficiary records and MIS); 
•     Draft meeting minutes, briefs, and correspondence; 
•     Support planning and organization of trainings, workshops, and field activities; 
•     Ensure logistical arrangements (travel, venues, materials, participant coordination); 
•     Assist in preparation of training materials and documentation; 
•     Support field monitoring of activities and implementing partners; 
•     Assist in beneficiary identification, verification, and data collection processes; 
•     Ensure proper documentation of field activities and compliance with project procedures; 
•     Initiate and follow up on administrative actions related to travel, payments, contracts and personnel support
•     Provide general administrative assistance to the project team; 
•     Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Project Management, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related field
•     Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in project/programme support, preferably in agriculture, food security, or development projects
•     Working knowledge (Level C) of English
•     National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•     Experience in project implementation and coordination in multi-stakeholder environments
•     Knowledge of results-based management (RBM) and reporting
•     Experience in procurement and administrative processes
•     Proficiency in standard IT tools and data management systems.
•     Ability to support field operations and community-based activities
•     Strong organizational and communication skills.

Selection Criteria

•     Experience in UN or donor-funded projects (EU, Irish Aid, etc.)
•     Familiarity with nutrition-sensitive agriculture and climate resilience programmes
•     Experience working with government institutions and decentralized systems
•     Proven ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION