Programme Associate

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 works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to achieving food security for all. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring that all people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate position is crucial for the coordination of program and project support services within the Office of Chief Economist at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role involves a comprehensive range of programmatic, planning, and budgeting activities that require a deep understanding of relevant policies and procedures. The Programme Associate will be responsible for providing procedural guidance to managers and staff, ensuring that the office operates smoothly and efficiently. The incumbent will work autonomously, demonstrating initiative and independent judgment while also providing guidance and training to program support staff. The role requires maintaining effective working relationships with various stakeholders, both within and outside the organization, to ensure the quality and consistency of program support services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will coordinate the preparation, submission, revision, and follow-up of the Divisional/Office/Centre budget, monitoring its implementation and providing necessary information. Responsibilities include reviewing and analyzing Periodic Budgetary Reports, synthesizing data from corporate and office databases for management reports, and ensuring the maintenance and retrieval of programming reference materials. The incumbent will also consolidate and monitor reports related to human resources planning, expenditures, and other operational plans. Additional duties involve screening incoming correspondence, supporting knowledge sharing across the division, and making recommendations for improving program administration procedures. The role may also require performing other functions as needed to support the office's mandate.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of five years of experience in administrative, financial, planning, programming, or budgeting activities. The role demands a strong understanding of corporate information systems, program and budget processes, and common administrative and financial rules. Technical skills in procurement processes and communication standards are also essential. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, effective communication, and knowledge sharing are critical for success in this position.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative and financial processes that the Programme Associate will engage with in their daily responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in administrative, financial, planning, programming, or budgeting activities. This experience is crucial for the Programme Associate to effectively manage the complexities of program support services and to contribute to the successful achievement of the office's objectives.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of one of the other working languages of the Organization, which include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Additionally, a working knowledge of Spanish or French is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate within the diverse linguistic environment of FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. While the job description does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to apply promptly. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job ad, but candidates can expect competitive remuneration in line with UN standards.