Country Office Administration Support

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, specifically the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE). FAO was established in 1945 and has since been 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. FAO also works to make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, and it aims to reduce rural poverty and promote sustainable development. The RNE office plays a crucial role in supporting countries in the region to transform their agrifood systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Country Office Administration Support position focuses on providing essential administrative coordination and support to Subregional Offices (SROs) and Country Offices (COs) within the FAO framework. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that administrative processes are executed in a timely manner, adhering to FAO's established rules and procedures. This role is critical in facilitating the smooth implementation of programs and projects, as it involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Senior Administrative Officer and other managers. The position requires a proactive approach to managing day-to-day operational tasks, ensuring that all activities align with the planned project work plans and contribute to the overall objectives of the organization. The incumbent will also be involved in monitoring and documenting administrative performance, which is vital for effective decision-making and operational effectiveness across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Country Office Administration Support include providing advisory support to Subregional and Country Offices regarding the interpretation and application of FAO's administrative, financial, and operational rules. The incumbent will assist in the development and standardization of administrative tools and workflows to enhance operational effectiveness. Additionally, the role involves preparing analytical reports and dashboards that reflect administrative performance and operational trends. The incumbent will ensure timely delivery of necessary inputs and coordinate with procurement and logistics units to facilitate information sharing. Participation in team planning meetings and providing administrative inputs is also a key responsibility. The incumbent will monitor and update administration budget expenditures and track progress on administrative plans, ensuring alignment with project work plans. Furthermore, the role includes contributing to the preparation of progress reports and supporting the administrative processing of Letters of Agreements in coordination with project managers.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires candidates to meet specific qualifications. For consultants, an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in management, business administration, accounting, or a related field is necessary. If a consultant holds only a bachelor's degree, they must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For Personal Services Agreements (PSAs), a university degree in the same fields is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience in administrative support, financial record management, or related office administration functions. A working knowledge of English at Level C is also mandatory, ensuring effective communication within the organization.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in management, business administration, accounting, or a related field. For those applying as consultants with only a bachelor's degree, it is essential to have two additional years of relevant professional experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of administrative functions and financial management within the FAO framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in administrative support, financial record management, or related office administration functions. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the incumbent can effectively manage the various administrative tasks and responsibilities associated with the role, including coordination with different units and stakeholders, monitoring budgets, and preparing reports.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and for the preparation of reports and documentation. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The job is likely to be a full-time position, although specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and compensation are not provided in the job description. The role may involve working with international teams and could require flexibility in terms of working hours to accommodate different time zones. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve travel within the region as part of their responsibilities.