Sub-National Project Assistant

Organizational Setting

The FAO has been in existence since its founding in 1945, making it one of the oldest specialized agencies of the United Nations. FAO Indonesia serves as a vital force in the nation's agricultural development, committed to sustainability and food security. From more than 40 years operations, The FAO in Indonesia focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security through sustainable farming practices and improved access to resources. The institution collaborates with government agencies and local communities to promote resilience to natural disasters and climate change in the agriculture sector. Additionally, the FAO supports policies and capacity building initiatives aimed at achieving long-term sustainable development and poverty reduction in Indonesia.

The Province of Riau, Indonesia, was identified in 2024 as a beneficiary of the UK-funded UN-REDD Green for Riau, following a formal request submitted by the Regional Government of Riau to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2023. The project aims to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities at the provincial level to enable readiness for accessing high-integrity, results-based climate finance from international sources in support of REDD implementation. This UN-REDD project has 7 output areas of which FAO covers mainly output 2 (establishing an initial sub-national forest reference level and the corresponding sub-national forest monitoring arrangements) but contributes also to other project outputs.

Reporting Lines

The Sub-National Project Assistant will report to and work under the overall managerial administrative leadership and direct supervision of FAO MRV Expert and National Focal Point for Indonesia REDD . The Assistant will also coordinate and work closely with Senior Consultant of REDD and National Forest Monitoring.

Technical Focus

The Sub-National Project Assistant will support effective delivery of GREEN for Riau – FAO component activities and ensure smooth communication between the project team.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assisting in documentation, presentations, and communications with sub national stakeholders 
•     Review data availability, identify gaps and data collection for subnational MRV and FREL development 
•     Provide technical assistance, logistical and coordination support for meetings and capacity development.
•     Perform other related tasks, as required, in support of project objectives and FAO’s mandate.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
•     At least two years of relevant experience in project coordination or technical support.
•     Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of additional relevant experience
•     Working knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia.
•     National of Indonesia or resident of the country with work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work is desirable
•     Knowledge and/or experience in forest carbon inventory, forest monitoring, or MRV processes.
•     Extent and relevant of experience in implementation of technical assistance projects, preferably in the areas of national/subnational development planning environmental, forestry or sustainable development

Selection Criteria

•     Strong knowledge of local governance structures and policy implementation at the provincial/district level.
•     Excellent communication, facilitation, organisational, 
•     Proficiency in MS Office applications and digital collaboration tools; familiarity with GIS/remote sensing tools is an asset.
•     Ability to work remotely and independently.