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 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 mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities.

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 coordinating specialized and complex processes and activities that are essential for the delivery of the Office's work programme, as well as planning and budgeting activities. The Programme Assistant is expected to provide procedural guidance to managers and staff, ensuring that the office operates efficiently and effectively. The role requires a proactive approach to managing budgets, preparing reports, and supporting project implementation, all while maintaining high standards of quality and consistency in programme/project support services. The Programme Assistant will work closely with various colleagues across the organization, contributing to the overall success of the division's objectives and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties, including monitoring both Regular Programme and Project budgets to ensure proper allocation and reporting of funds. The incumbent will provide support to budget holders in preparing Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR) and the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB), as well as related work plans. Additionally, the Programme Assistant will prepare project budget revisions in consultation with budget holders and support the initiation, administration, and monitoring of Letters of Agreement throughout the project implementation phase. Responding to routine queries and providing clarifications on programme and project matters is also a key responsibility, along with informing management and team members about processes and timeframes for securing necessary administrative services. The Programme Assistant will review data quality, maintain office records, compile and synthesize data for financial analyses, and generate management reports. Furthermore, the role involves coordinating administrative and financial actions related to staff management, travel, payments, and procurement, as well as supporting the dissemination of project outputs and knowledge products. The Programme Assistant will also provide guidance to junior staff and make recommendations for improving current programme/project administration 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 at proficiency level C is mandatory, along with good IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications and office technology equipment. The position requires candidates to be nationals of Italy or to have an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for success in this role. Additionally, technical skills in corporate information systems, programme and budget processes, and administrative and financial rules are highly valued.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative and operational aspects of the role, as well as for effectively supporting the various functions of the Plant Production and Protection Division.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in providing programme/project support services. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage budgets, prepare reports, and coordinate administrative tasks effectively. The role demands a proactive approach and the ability to work independently while also collaborating with a diverse range of colleagues across the organization.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This 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. The role is full-time, and the incumbent will be expected to operate independently while receiving supervision focused on the quality of work outputs. The Programme Assistant will also be responsible for providing guidance to junior staff and may be involved in reviewing and recommending improvements to current administrative procedures.