Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries and has a mission to support sustainable agricultural practices and improve food systems globally. The organization focuses on achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in the areas of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. FAO's country offices, led by an FAO Representative, assist governments in developing policies and programs to enhance food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, while promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in the coordination of specialized and complex processes that support the delivery of the Office's work programme, including planning and budgeting activities. This position requires the individual to provide procedural guidance to managers and staff, ensuring that the office's operations run smoothly. The Programme Assistant operates independently, making decisions on work priorities and ensuring the quality of work outputs. The role involves close collaboration with various colleagues across the organization to maintain consistency and quality in program and project support services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant is responsible for monitoring both Regular Programme and Project budgets, ensuring proper allocation and reporting of funds, and taking corrective actions as necessary. They provide support to budget holders in preparing Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR) and the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB). The role includes preparing project budget revisions, supporting the administration and monitoring of Letters of Agreement, and responding to routine queries regarding program and project matters. The Programme Assistant reviews data quality, maintains office records, compiles data for financial analyses, and generates management reports. They coordinate administrative and financial actions related to staff management, travel, payments, and procurement. Additionally, they support the dissemination of project outputs and provide guidance to junior staff, while also reviewing and recommending improvements to current administrative procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in providing program/project support services. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is required, along with good IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications and office technology equipment. Candidates must also be nationals of Somalia or possess a valid visa or work permit to be eligible for this position.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative and operational tasks associated with the role of Programme Assistant.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have at least four years of relevant experience in providing program and project support services. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage budgets, coordinate administrative tasks, and support project implementation effectively.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having a working knowledge of the local language, Somali, is considered a desirable qualification that can enhance communication and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under General Service Staff, which means that candidates must be locally recruited. To be eligible, candidates must be nationals of Somalia or possess a valid work permit and reside within commuting distance of Mogadishu at the time of application. The role is full-time, and the incumbent's work will directly impact the smooth operations and performance of the office's program/project activities.