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;
• 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.
Under the FAO TCP/RAS/4008 project, the Philippines is one of four participating countries undertaking national-level actions to strengthen the country’s technical and institutional capacity to access and utilize the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) and related technical support mechanisms, including the Santiago Network, thereby averting, minimizing, and addressing climate-induced losses and damages in the agri-food systems. National activities build on regional-level assessments, methodologies, and typologies and aim to localize these outputs through capacity development, strategic planning, and project pipeline development.
The position is located in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
Reporting Lines
The Technical Assistant will report to the Assistant FAO Representative for Programmes in the Philippines and will be under the guidance of the Environment Programme Coordinator.
Technical Focus
The Technical Assistant will provide operational, coordination, and technical support to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of national-level activities.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Support day-to-day implementation of national-level project activities in line with the approved workplan and timelines.
• Assist in coordinating with DA focal points, FAO technical staff, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain updated activity schedules, contact lists, and coordination records.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for training workshops, stakeholder consultations, and validation meetings, including:
o Participant coordination and invitations
o Venue arrangements and materials preparation
o Documentation of proceedings and attendance
• Assist in compiling training materials, presentations, and workshop reports.
• Support the Coordinator in:
o Collecting and organizing background materials, data, and references related to climate-induced L&D in agriculture.
o Drafting, formatting, and consolidating technical documents, including baseline reviews, strategy drafts, consultation summaries, and engagement plans.
• Assist in organizing feedback from stakeholders and incorporating comments into revised documents.
• Provide administrative and technical assistance in the preparation of project pipeline documents and concept notes.
• Help compile inputs such as problem statements, indicative budgets, and institutional information as guided by FAO staff and consultants.
• Support preparation of periodic progress updates and internal reports.
• Maintain organized digital project files and documentation.
• Assist in capturing lessons learned, good practices, and key recommendations for final project documentation.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in agriculture, environmental studies, climate change, development studies, or related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in project support, coordination, or technical assistance
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Filipino
• National of the Philippines
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog
• General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Familiarity with climate change, agriculture, or disaster risk management is an asset
• Strong organizational and coordination skills
• Good drafting, documentation, and communication skills
• Experience with FAO or UN projects is an advantage
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)Applications received after the closing date will not be acceptedPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.