Business Support Associate (Senior Management Support)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to its mission. WFP is recognized for its efforts in addressing hunger and malnutrition, and it has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all its employees, regardless of race, gender, or background. WFP is committed to creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees can thrive and contribute to the organization's mission.

Job Overview:
The Business Support Associate (Senior Management Support) plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective delivery of business support services to the front office of the WFP in Islamabad. Under the supervision of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and controlling a wide range of business support services. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, as the associate will need to respond independently to queries and manage resources effectively. The role involves specialized business support work, including the organization and coordination of tasks, and providing guidance to junior support staff. The Business Support Associate will also be expected to prepare comprehensive reports, documentation, and correspondence, and conduct research to support the Country Director and senior leadership team. This position is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of the office and ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Business Support Associate include, but are not limited to: providing dedicated executive assistant support to senior leadership, preparing and consolidating comprehensive reports and documentation, responding to complex business support queries, overseeing the maintenance of records and databases, revising and reviewing correspondence and documentation, assisting managers in planning and monitoring budgets, assessing and recommending improvements to procedures, providing a full range of complex business support services, advising and training junior support staff, coordinating tasks of junior colleagues, and performing any other duties in line with the position level and expertise. Additionally, the associate will manage the workflow of the Director’s office, ensure effective coordination between departments, and serve as a liaison between the Country Director and internal/external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, International Relations, Marketing, or a relevant field of study. A secondary school education combined with a post-secondary certificate in a related field is also acceptable. The role requires specialized knowledge of common business processes and practical business support methods, which can be gained through technical training and work experience. Good communication skills are essential for providing specialized business support services to a wide range of stakeholders, and the ability to handle situations with diplomacy and cultural sensitivity is crucial. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to proactively identify areas for improvement and build relationships across functions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, International Relations, or Marketing. Additionally, completion of secondary school education along with a post-secondary certificate in a related field is required. It is important that all educational documents are verified and attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, as appointment will be subject to submission of HEC-verified degrees.

Experience:
Candidates should have six or more years of progressively responsible work experience in providing direct support to senior leadership teams, such as CEOs, Managing Directors, or Country Representatives. This experience should include specialized knowledge of business processes and support methods, as well as the ability to coordinate the work of others and provide training and support to junior staff. The role demands a high level of integrity and confidentiality, along with the ability to maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals across functions.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Urdu is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in the two specified languages to effectively engage with stakeholders and support the organization's mission.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. It is specifically targeted at Pakistani Nationals. The WFP offers a competitive benefits package that includes salary, pension, leave, and medical insurance. The organization emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment and is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are advised that no fees are charged during the application process, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.