Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member countries, FAO works in more than 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving nutrition, thereby contributing to the global agenda of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is crucial for the coordination of program and project support services within the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) at FAO headquarters in Rome. This role involves a comprehensive range of programmatic, planning, and budgeting activities that require a deep understanding of relevant policies and procedures. The Programme Associate is expected to provide procedural guidance to managers and staff, ensuring that the office operates efficiently and effectively. The incumbent will work autonomously, demonstrating initiative and independent judgment while also providing training and guidance to program support staff. The position requires maintaining a wide range of relationships with various stakeholders, both within and outside the organization, to ensure the quality and consistency of program support services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will be responsible for coordinating the preparation, submission, revision, and follow-up of the divisional budget, as well as monitoring its implementation. This includes reviewing and analyzing periodic budgetary reports, assembling and synthesizing data from corporate databases, and drafting management reports. The incumbent will monitor projects, maintain programming reference materials, and consolidate reports on human resources planning and expenditures. Additionally, the Programme Associate will screen incoming correspondence, support knowledge sharing across divisions, review current processes for improvement, and perform other functions as required. The role is integral to the smooth operation of program/project activities and directly impacts the successful achievement of the office's mandate.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of five years of experience in administrative, financial, planning, programming, and budgeting activities. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is required, along with intermediate knowledge of one of the other working languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Proficiency in MS Office applications and familiarity with office technology equipment are also necessary. Candidates must be nationals of Italy or possess a valid visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative and financial processes that the Programme Associate will be involved in, as well as for effectively communicating and collaborating with various stakeholders.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in administrative, financial, planning, programming, and budgeting activities. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex tasks, coordinate multiple projects, and provide support services effectively. Experience in a similar role within an international organization or a governmental agency would be advantageous.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge of one of the other working languages of the Organization, which include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, at level B. Proficiency in multiple languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Associate position is classified as General Service Staff, which means that candidates must be recruited locally. To be eligible, candidates must be nationals of Italy or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application. The role is full-time, and the incumbent will be expected to work autonomously while also collaborating with various teams within the organization. The position offers opportunities for professional development and training, particularly in administrative and budgetary processes.