Operations Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is part of FAO and focuses on developing and implementing strategies and projects that drive the transformation of food, agriculture, and rural development in the Pacific region, ensuring that no one is left behind in the process of achieving sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Operations Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the FAO's mission by providing essential operational assistance for various projects. This position involves day-to-day operational management, ensuring that all activities align with FAO's policies and procedures. The Operations Assistant will work closely with the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for the Pacific, the Programme Officer, and the International Operations Specialist to ensure that projects are effectively coordinated and that operational challenges are addressed promptly. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery. The Operations Assistant will also be responsible for continuous evaluation and improvement of operational processes, contributing to the overall success of the projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including acting as the focal point for daily project operations and coordinating with relevant units and partners. Key duties include supporting project formulation, work planning, and budget preparation, as well as monitoring progress and expenditures. The assistant will assist in procurement, recruitment, travel arrangements, and other administrative actions, ensuring compliance with FAO rules and procedures. Additionally, the Operations Assistant will contribute to the timely preparation and submission of progress and terminal reports, maintain accurate data and documentation in FAO systems, and support the preparation of project documents and country clearances. Other responsibilities include tracking purchase orders and contracts, maintaining up-to-date procurement and travel plans, assisting in budget monitoring and financial reporting, and organizing project documentation for closure and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or a technical diploma in business administration, management, finance, or accounting. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in finance and financial management of projects is required. Full proficiency in English and Samoan is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Samoa or residents with a valid work permit. The FAO core competencies expected from candidates include a strong results focus, teamwork, effective communication, building effective relationships, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or a technical diploma in business administration, management, finance, or accounting. A bachelor's degree in one of these fields would be considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in finance and financial management, particularly in the context of project management. Experience in managing or coordinating international, regional, or national projects related to agriculture and the environment is highly desirable and will be viewed favorably during the selection process.

Languages:
Full proficiency (level C) in both English and Samoan is mandatory for this position. This requirement ensures effective communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in various operational and administrative duties as required. The FAO emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, and the organization may offer opportunities for professional development and training.