Project Assistant Job Vacancy: Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU)

The Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit- Somalia (FSNAU) seeks to provide evidence-based analysis of Somali food, nutrition and livelihood security to enable both short-term emergency responses and long-term strategic planning to promote food and livelihood security for Somali people.

Closing date: 26 Jun 2009

Location: Kenya - Nairobi

Additional location information: Nairobi, Kenya, with possible travel to Somalia

Under the direct supervision of Chief Technical Advisor, the Project Assistant will have primary responsibility for providing secretarial and administrative support to the Chief Technical Advisor, and carry out the following specific duties:

• Assist the CTA with document and report preparation, including information gathering, typing, editing and formatting text, tables and graphics.
• Consolidate project progress technical and financial reports as may be required by the CTA for submission to HQ.
• Set up, classify and maintain official project documents and communications in the CTA’s office with strict confidentiality.
• Track and manage administrative tasks for the CTA, such as travel, bookings, Travel Authorization claims, security clearance and other administrative procedures.
• Prepare presentation materials for CTA meetings as needed, such as briefs, slide presentations, and FSNAU product briefs.
• Assist the CTA with preparation of documentation for presentations to donors, partners etc.
• Act as the secretariat of the FSNAU Project Management Advisory Committee (PMAC), responsible for calling meetings when required, dispatching project technical reports before the meeting, recording/documenting meeting minutes, and distributing the minutes of the meetings under the guidance of the CTA.
• Assist the CTA in workshop preparation, organization, management, and daily operational running.
• Keep ongoing communication with FAOR/FAO Somalia OiC, Donors and FAO HQ in all personnel and administrative matters pertaining to the Project Managers and support staff.
• Support the recruitment process at FSNAU.
• Keep an updated schedule of appointments and meetings for the CTA.
• Receive and route calls to the CTA and attend to visitors of the CTA.
• Arrange routine office/staff meetings called by the CTA as well as taking notes at meetings.
• Provide all logistical support to the CTA and all technical staff during workshops including venues and supplies.
• Make all necessary arrangements for meetings and workshops as requested by the CTA.
• Perform other related duties as may be required by the CTA.
  

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in related field
• 2+ years work experience in Operations and Project Administration
• Good knowledge and skills in administrative and support services management, preferably acquired under the UN system, are critical to the work of the office.
• Expert knowledge of software with MS word, MS Excel, MS Access, and related applications
  

Selection Criteria

• Ability to manage multiple high priority assignments and develop solutions to challenging non- routine problems
• Ability to work under high pressure and deadlines
• Extreme attention to detail and follow up
• Strong inter-cultural skills
• Responsible and solution based
• Accepts supervision but is self-motivated
  

How to apply

Candidates are requested to submit a cover letter quoting the Position Title and Vacancy Announcement No. FAO/FSNAU/VI/2009/006, along with their current/detailed Curriculum Vitae and FAO Personal History (PH) form (available at http://www.fao.org/VA/adm11e.dot).

E-mail is the preferred means of receipt and the application should be sent to jobs @ fsnau.org.

The subject line of the e-mail message should read CONFIDENTIAL – FAO/FSNAU/VI/2009/006.

Applications may not be faxed.

Applications must be received by the deadline.

Late applications will not be considered.

Only short listed candidates meeting all essential qualifications will be contacted.