Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries, two associate members, and one member organization, the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, focusing on eradicating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. In Iraq, FAO has been instrumental in supporting the government’s initiatives towards climate change adaptation and mitigation, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development across various agricultural sectors and ecosystems. FAO Iraq has three operational offices in Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil, with a fourth office set to open in Karbala to enhance project implementation efficiency.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer position is crucial within the FAO representation in Karbala, Iraq. This role involves overseeing administrative functions, financial planning, and monitoring systems to ensure effective project implementation. The officer will report directly to the FAO Representative and will be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating assigned programs and projects. The position requires a proactive approach to advising on administrative matters and ensuring compliance with organizational guidelines. The officer will also play a key role in training and supervising staff, optimizing office management, and establishing partnerships with various stakeholders. The focus will be on enhancing the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of operations while addressing any operational constraints that may arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing periodic budget reports and other regular and ad hoc reports; contributing to the development of results-based management concepts and policies; overseeing the maintenance of imprest accounts and budgetary reports; acting as Certifying Officer; monitoring the availability of funds under all programs; ensuring financial commitments and expenditures are accurate; training and supervising staff on administrative and operational matters; assessing training needs; optimizing office premises management; establishing partnerships with headquarters units; interacting with auditors; organizing subregional meetings and events; and performing other related duties as required. Specific functions include implementing internal control systems, managing project budgets, ensuring compliance with audit requirements, and verifying the delivery of organizational assets to beneficiaries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, accounting, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in financial management, administration, and planning is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement are essential. Technical and functional skills, along with work experience in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, are highly valued.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in fields such as business administration, public administration, accounting, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management and administrative functions within the FAO framework.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in financial management, administration, and planning. This experience should ideally include work in diverse locations or areas, particularly in field positions, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the operational challenges faced in different contexts. The relevance of experience in organizing program proposals and monitoring program implementation will also be assessed.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for level C proficiency. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Karbala, Iraq, and is part of the FAO's efforts to enhance project implementation in the region. While the job description does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to be aware of the competitive nature of such positions within international organizations. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited nationally or internationally, depending on the applicant pool. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, which typically include competitive salaries, health benefits, and opportunities for professional development.