Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 Members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, working towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework. FAO's mission is to ensure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, promoting better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, while leaving no one behind. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability, which is integral to its strategic objectives and operations. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and resources to deliver technical assistance and develop capacities, all while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the FAO Representation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This position involves coordinating and performing a wide range of office support, management support, and administrative tasks. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for maintaining the quality and consistency of office work and information flow within the work unit. Reporting to the Assistant FAOR (Administration), the incumbent operates independently, making decisions on work priorities and exercising initiative in handling cases without precedents. The role requires close collaboration with colleagues across various divisions and regions, as well as with central units and external clients, to provide procedural guidance and information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant include maintaining financial records and monitoring systems for the office, managing petty cash, reconciling expenditures and balances, and preparing correspondence of an administrative and financial nature. The incumbent will retrieve, enter, select, and analyze data from various sources, ensuring the accuracy of data documents and making necessary calculations. Responsibilities also include verifying the availability of funds under all programs, preparing financial data for budget estimates, maintaining local inventory records, and monitoring the receipt of Government contributions. The Administrative Assistant will also support the streamlining of procedures and practices, introduce new information technologies, and assist with personnel and equipment administration, as well as protocol-related issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of four years of experience in administrative, accounting, and office management roles. A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory, along with very good knowledge of MS Office applications and office technology equipment. The role requires competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical skills in communication and documentation standards, as well as familiarity with corporate computerized financial, travel, and human resources systems, are also essential.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the administrative and financial tasks that the Administrative Assistant will be responsible for.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in administrative, accounting, and office management. This experience is vital for the candidate to effectively handle the responsibilities of the role and to ensure the efficient operation of the office.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, familiarity with Russian and Tajik is desirable, as these languages may enhance communication within the local context and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and is likely a full-time role. Candidates should be prepared to work in an international environment, adhering to the standards and regulations of the UN system. While specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided, candidates can expect a competitive salary and benefits package typical of UN positions.