Business Support Assistant (School Meals)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and the organization is recognized for its diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and promote peace.

Job Overview:
The Business Support Assistant will play a crucial role in the operational excellence of the McGovern-Dole School Meals programme at the WFP Sindh Provincial Office in Karachi. This position is essential for providing standard business support to the McGovern-Dole team, ensuring effective program work. The incumbent will report directly to the international Programme Policy Officer, who serves as the Project Manager, and will also provide support to the Programme Policy Officer assigned to the government. The role involves gathering information, responding to queries, managing administrative and financial tasks, and maintaining accurate documentation. The Business Support Assistant will also be responsible for ensuring data integrity and providing guidance to junior colleagues, contributing to a collaborative and efficient work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Support Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Gathering information to assist in drafting documents and preparing reports for other staff.
• Responding to client queries and escalating issues as necessary to ensure timely and accurate service.
• Supporting the processing and management of routine administrative and financial tasks across various functional areas.
• Providing revision and proofreading services for standard documents to ensure accuracy.
• Maintaining standard systems and files to ensure information is readily available.
• Identifying discrepancies in statistics and data, reporting them to senior staff.
• Ensuring data integrity in corporate systems.
• Offering guidance on routine business support methods to junior colleagues.
• Collaborating with a diverse team and incorporating feedback to enhance business support delivery. 1
• Performing any other tasks aligned with the position's level and expertise.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completion of secondary school education (Grade 12) as a minimum requirement. A post-secondary certificate or a Bachelor's degree in a related functional area such as Business Administration, Computer Sciences, or Social Sciences is desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in the use of office equipment and computer software packages, particularly Microsoft Word. Knowledge of work routines and methods is essential for completing processes with minimal supervision, and candidates should exhibit tact and courtesy in communication with a wide range of individuals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a secondary school education (Grade 12). A post-secondary certificate or a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Computer Sciences, or Social Sciences is preferred. It is important that all educational documents are verified and attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, as appointment will be contingent upon the submission of HEC-verified degrees.

Experience:
Candidates should have four or more years of progressively responsible work experience in a relevant business stream, with a focus on general administrative work. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage various administrative tasks effectively and efficiently, contributing to the overall success of the program.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Urdu is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Sindhi is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. It is specifically open to Pakistan Nationals only. The WFP offers a competitive benefits package that includes salary, pension, medical insurance, annual leave, parental leave, and other benefits. The role is based in Karachi, and candidates should be aware that all applications must be submitted through the WFP online recruitment system. The organization emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment and is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.