National Project Assistant

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency supporting the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. FAO Country Offices assist governments in developing policies and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger. In South Africa, the FAO Country Office collaborates with the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, WHO, and UNICEF on the "Building a Resilient Future" project, funded by the Pandemic Fund. This initiative aims to strengthen national health systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through a One Health Approach.

Job Purpose

The National Project Assistant will provide crucial support to the project team, ensuring the smooth execution of operational processes, meticulous documentation, and punctual reporting. This role is integral to achieving the project's objectives and adhering to its framework throughout its implementation phase. The assistant will contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the project by facilitating administrative and logistical tasks, thereby enabling the project team to focus on core activities related to pandemic preparedness and response in South Africa.

Responsibilities

The National Project Assistant will support the design and implementation of training programs and capacity-building initiatives, as well as the development and execution of a stakeholder communication plan. Responsibilities include assisting project staff with monitoring and evaluation, uploading reports to the Financial and Project Management Information System (FPMIS), and reviewing technical documents for completeness. The role involves supporting project activities in surveillance enhancement, laboratory systems strengthening, and national personnel capacity building. Additionally, the assistant will help plan, organize, and coordinate workshops and meetings, manage logistics, prepare meeting reports, and maintain project documentation. This includes developing filing systems, tracking follow-up activities, and providing technical and administrative support for various project functions, procurement, and inventory management.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience in the animal health discipline is required. Experience in project support or administrative roles within a relevant field is also expected.

Skills

The role requires strong organizational and administrative skills, with proficiency in corporate computerized financial systems and administrative procedures. Excellent communication and report writing abilities are essential, along with competency in technical and administrative tasks. Knowledge of project management principles and experience with relevant software, including data analysis and project management tools, is highly desirable. The ability to build effective relationships, share knowledge, and continuously improve processes is also important.

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