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 works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. The organization's mission is 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, particularly through its Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices and the reduction of pesticide reliance.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position involves a variety of routine administrative and financial functions that are essential for the successful delivery of the organizational unit's programs and projects. The Programme Assistant is expected to work independently on routine matters while reporting to the Project Coordinator and receiving overall supervision from the Team Leader. The role requires effective interaction with colleagues and clients within the organization, ensuring that administrative and financial services are delivered efficiently and accurately. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for collecting and compiling data on program activities, initiating and following up on administrative actions, and preparing documentation related to procurement actions, among other tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant's duties include collecting and compiling data on program and project activities to support reporting and delivery. They will initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, travel, payments, and other operational needs. The role also involves reviewing and preparing routine documentation and correspondence related to procurement actions, providing information on program expenditures and budget status, and processing reports and documents. Additionally, the Programme Assistant will manage correspondence, calls, and queries, arrange meetings and events, and perform other duties as required to support the unit's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have at least three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with good knowledge of MS Office applications and office technology. Candidates should also be familiar with corporate information systems and common administrative and financial rules and regulations. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the administrative and financial processes that the Programme Assistant will be involved in.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. This experience should demonstrate the ability to handle routine administrative tasks effectively and efficiently, as well as the capacity to manage financial documentation and reporting.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable, which could enhance communication and collaboration 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 a valid visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application. This ensures that the selected candidate can travel daily between their residence and the workplace. The role is full-time, and the incumbent's work will significantly impact the timely and efficient delivery of the unit's programs.