Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global 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 works in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, ensuring that no one is left behind. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, making it a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Programme and Budget Support Unit within the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director-General at FAO. This position involves a variety of routine administrative and financial functions that are essential for the effective delivery of the unit's programs and projects. The Programme Assistant is expected to perform tasks independently in routine matters while receiving guidance from the Programme Support Officer and higher-graded Programme Assistants. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to interact effectively with colleagues and clients, ensuring that administrative and financial services are delivered efficiently. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for collecting and compiling data on program activities, initiating administrative actions, preparing documentation, and providing information on budget expenditures, among other duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant's duties include collecting and compiling data on program and project activities to support reporting and delivery. They will initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, travel, payments, and other operational needs. The role involves reviewing and preparing routine documentation and correspondence related to procurement actions, processing and proofreading reports and documents, and managing correspondence and inquiries. Additionally, the Programme Assistant will arrange meetings, seminars, and events, implementing logistics and preparing necessary documentation. Other duties may be assigned as required, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have at least three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with good IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications and office technology. Candidates should also be familiar with corporate information systems and have a good understanding of administrative and financial rules and regulations. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and the ability to build effective relationships are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is crucial for performing the administrative and financial tasks required of the Programme Assistant, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to manage documentation and support the unit's operations effectively.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle routine administrative tasks, manage financial documentation, and support program delivery effectively. The role demands a solid understanding of administrative processes and the ability to work independently while also collaborating with team members.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having intermediate knowledge (level B) of one of the other official languages of the Organization, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the General Service Staff category, which means that candidates must be nationals of Italy or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of Rome at the time of application. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic environment that requires confidentiality and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. The FAO offers a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development and growth.