Programme Support Associate: Climate Resilience & Just Transition

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in South Africa focuses on strengthening resilient agrifood systems, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster risk reduction. FAO collaborates with national and local institutions and UN agencies to enhance resilience and sustainable development. This assignment, hosted by FAO South Africa, offers a young professional practical experience in supporting climate resilience and agrifood initiatives, while contributing to inter-agency coordination within the UN Disaster Task Team.

Job Purpose

This assignment aims to provide programme support for FAO South Africa's initiatives in climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, food systems, and disaster risk reduction. The UN Volunteer will contribute to efficient programme implementation through administrative coordination, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management. Key contributions include supporting project implementation, coordinating activities, documentation, reporting, and logistical arrangements. The role also involves supporting the UN Disaster Task Team, fostering inter-agency collaboration for disaster preparedness and response, and developing practical skills in programme administration and partnership management within the UN system.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support programme coordination and implementation by assisting in the planning, coordination, and execution of activities related to climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and disaster risk reduction. This includes coordinating meetings, workshops, and field missions, and ensuring logistical and administrative support for timely output delivery. The role involves supporting FAO's participation in the UN Disaster Task Team by coordinating inter-agency meetings, preparing documentation, and following up on action points to enhance collaboration on disaster preparedness and response. Additionally, the volunteer will assist in monitoring programme implementation, collecting performance data, and contributing to the preparation of reports. Responsibilities also include managing programme documentation, supporting stakeholder engagement with various partners, and providing general administrative support for programme operations, including logistics, travel, and record-keeping.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required. However, one year of relevant experience is desirable. This includes demonstrated interest or experience in climate resilience, sustainable development, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, environmental management, programme support, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, research, reporting, administrative support, knowledge management, partnership coordination, event coordination, or community development. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and skills in administrative support, records management, research, report writing, and meeting coordination are beneficial.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, and Working in Teams. Technical skills encompass Administration, Climate Change, Environment, and Community Development.

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