Technical Project Assistant
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Iraq is dedicated to enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering resilient livelihoods and rural development. Working collaboratively with Iraqi authorities, farming communities, and other stakeholders, FAO implements programs aligned with the agriculture sector's priorities. This position, based in Karbala, will directly support the field implementation of FAO's agricultural initiatives within the governorate, with a specific emphasis on date palm production systems and farmer support.
Job Purpose
The Technical Project Assistant will provide crucial support for the implementation of diverse agricultural activities. This includes hands-on assistance in crop management, the application of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and the adoption of effective post-harvest practices. The role also involves supporting farmer field schools (FFS) and managing project data. A key focus will be on activities related to date palm cultivation and its associated value chains, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery at the field level.
Responsibilities
The Technical Project Assistant will support the FAO technical team in various capacities, including participation in meetings, workshops, and conferences. Responsibilities include assisting with crop management and the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in orchards, supporting crop protection and IPM initiatives, and aiding in post-harvest treatments, processing, and marketing. The role involves contributing to technical documents and training materials, organizing logistics for trainings and field visits, and managing travel arrangements. Maintaining organized records and documentation is essential. The assistant will liaise with Farmer Field School facilitators, support field implementation, and collect, organize, and monitor field data. Consolidating reports from facilitators and platforms like Survey123, analyzing data, and preparing assessment reports are key tasks. Additionally, the role includes maintaining records of equipment distribution and warehouse inventories, supporting the creation of communication materials, and preparing periodic activity reports.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in agricultural field projects is required. Experience in crop management, integrated pest management (IPM), and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is essential. Familiarity with supporting Farmer Field Schools (FFS) or similar agricultural extension activities is also necessary. Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting using tools like Survey123 is highly desirable.
Skills
Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Essential technical skills involve experience in crop management, IPM, and GAP practices, as well as supporting Farmer Field Schools. Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting (e.g., Survey123) is crucial. Familiarity with logistics coordination and field operations is important. Knowledge of post-harvest handling and agricultural value chains is an asset, and a working knowledge of English is desirable.