Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, focusing on optimizing plant production and protection while preserving natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the delivery of the Office's work programme, particularly in the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP). This position involves coordinating specialized and complex processes and activities, providing procedural guidance to managers and staff, and ensuring the smooth operation of the office's programme/project activities. The Programme Assistant will work closely with various colleagues across the organization, ensuring consistency and quality in the support services provided. The role requires a proactive approach to managing budgets, preparing reports, and responding to queries related to programme and project matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties, including monitoring Regular Programme and Project budgets, ensuring proper allocation and reporting of funds, and taking corrective actions as necessary. The incumbent will support budget holders in preparing Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR) and the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB). Additionally, the Programme Assistant will prepare project budget revisions, respond to routine queries, maintain office records, compile and synthesize data for financial analyses, and generate management reports. The role also involves coordinating administrative and financial actions related to staff management, travel, payments, and procurement, as well as providing guidance to junior staff and recommending improvements to current procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in providing programme/project support services. A working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) is mandatory, along with good IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications and office technology equipment. Candidates must also be nationals of Italy or possess a valid visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application.

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 involved in programme/project support services.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have at least four years of relevant experience in providing support services for programmes and projects. This experience should encompass a variety of administrative and financial tasks, demonstrating the ability to manage complex processes and coordinate effectively with different stakeholders.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable, which would enhance communication capabilities within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The 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. The role is based in Rome, and candidates must reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application. The Programme Assistant will work under the general supervision of professional staff and will have the opportunity to operate independently, making decisions on work priorities while focusing on the quality of work outputs. This position is full-time and involves collaboration with various teams within the organization.