Project Assistant

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) Representation in Egypt, which is headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the Government of Egypt to develop policies, programmes and projects to improve food security and nutrition, promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce rural poverty, develop inclusive agri-food systems and strengthen livelihood resilience – in line with the Organization’s Strategic Objectives and United Nations’ global and Government of Egypt’s national Sustainable Development Goals.

FAO is implementing a project entitled "EU for Hayah Karima - EU support to Rural Development, Climate Change Resilience and Nutrition" in Upper Egypt. The Action is in line with a major Egyptian initiative, “Hayah Karima” (Decent Life), launched in 2019 initially for five years, which seeks to improve the life and livelihoods of 57 million Egyptians in rural areas by renovating local infrastructures, upgrading basic services, and creating jobs.

The project will support rural development, food and nutrition security, and climate change resilience in 120 villages in Assiut, Sohag, and Qena governorates. It is focused on supporting the farmers in improving agriculture and irrigation techniques and rural communities' income generation through employment and skills development opportunities. FAO action will help in managing food losses through value chain analysis and value addition of income-generating crops, transformation of agricultural waste into economic secondary products, and strengthening the capacity of value chain actors in food safety and waste management.

Reporting Lines

The Project Assistant will work under the direct supervision of FAO Representative in Egypt, the day-to-day guidance of the Project Manager, and in close collaboration, FAO country office and project personnel.

Technical focus

The Project Assistant performs a wide range of routine administrative and financial functions in support of the delivery of the projects.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in tracking the progress of ongoing activities to ensure compliance with the approved work plan and deadlines,
• Consolidate data and outcomes from activities to contribute to reporting efforts.
• Support the organization and coordination of workshops, consultations, training sessions, and other project events, including all related logistical arrangements and preparation of materials.
• Provide background information, research, and input for reports, presentations, and communication materials showcasing project progress and achievements.
• Support the coordination of supervisory missions and the overall implementation of the project.
• Maintain project records, filing systems, and contact databases.
• Ensure timely settlement of project advances and related financial matters.
• Arrange appointments, receive visitors, manage correspondence, and respond to routine requests for information.
• Provide administrative and logistics support to project meetings, committees, and missions.
• Compile and organize reference materials from various sources for reports; create spreadsheets, presentations, and maintain updated mailing lists.
• Participate in project meetings, prepare and share meeting minutes, and follow up on agreed actions.
• Support overall project monitoring, summarizing results of surveys and findings from meetings.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, commerce, management, social sciences or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work.
• Working knowledge in the English and Arabic languages.
• National of Egypt.

FAO Core Competencies

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