Programme Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Information Technology Division (CSI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is responsible for overseeing all IT activities within the organization. Established to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of FAO's operations, CSI plays a critical role in defining IT policies, providing strategic advice on IT architecture and standards, and ensuring compliance with organizational governance. The division is tasked with protecting FAO's information assets, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, and coordinating IT services that are essential for the organization's global operations. With a focus on reducing duplication and fragmentation, CSI mobilizes IT resources across the organization to enhance integration of information, data, systems, and platforms. The division is composed of a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting FAO's mission of achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and improving nutrition worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Information Technology Officer within the IT Strategic Sourcing, Planning & Control group. This role is pivotal in providing program support and coordination for the operations of the group. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring timely and efficient operations, budget management, and administrative support for the implementation of program and project activities. This includes developing financial statements for management meetings, coordinating the annual internal financial planning exercise, and assisting in the preparation of periodic and ad hoc financial reports. The specialist will also implement effective internal control mechanisms to ensure a client-oriented financial management system, support procurement activities, monitor project plans and resource schedules, and contribute to service definitions and internal process improvements. The role requires a proactive approach to liaising with relevant departments on contracts, payments, and financial activities, as well as contributing to other program support and sourcing processes as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Support Specialist include:

• Providing timely and efficient operations, budget, and administration support for program and project activities.
• Developing financial statements for management meetings to facilitate strategic decision-making and suggesting improvements where necessary.
• Coordinating the annual internal financial planning exercise in collaboration with the ITSSPC Officer.
• Assisting in the preparation of periodic and ad hoc financial reports.
• Coordinating the development and updating of reports covering all areas of the IT Planning and Control group, utilizing tools such as Powerbi.
• Implementing internal control mechanisms to ensure effective performance of a client-oriented financial management system.
• Supporting procurement activities in alignment with divisional and organizational needs.
• Monitoring project plans, delivery, and resource schedules.
• Coordinating internal financial activities, including accounting adjustments and reviewing payment requests and invoices from suppliers. 1
• Providing reports on administrative activities performed. 1
• Actively contributing to service definitions and improvements in internal processes and procedures. 1
• Liaising with collaborating departments on contracts, payments, and financial activities. 1
• Contributing to other program support, financial-related, and sourcing processes. 1
• Performing any other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: For Consultants: An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Management, Law, Social Science, International Relations, or a closely related discipline. Consultants with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSAs: A university degree or relevant professional experience in Management, Law, Social Science, International Relations, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of relevant experience in program support, administrative, and/or ICT contracts area.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Management, Law, Social Science, International Relations, or a closely related discipline from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For those applying as PSAs, a university degree or relevant professional experience in the aforementioned fields is necessary. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must also possess two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in program support, administrative, and/or ICT contracts area. Experience in an international or multicultural organization is desirable, as is knowledge of FAO Administrative and Financial Rules and associated tools such as GRMS and iMIS. Relevant experience in similar support-related positions is also beneficial.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English, French, or Spanish is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve a contract duration that is not specified in the provided information. It is important to note the seniority level of the position, which is likely to be mid-level given the responsibilities outlined. The role is full-time, and the organization may be open to recruiting candidates internationally or nationally. Compensation and benefits details are not provided, but candidates can expect a competitive package in line with FAO standards.