Office Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Job Overview:
The Office Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the work unit within the Immediate Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director-General for Natural Resources and Sustainable Production at FAO headquarters. This position involves performing a variety of routine administrative tasks and providing office support functions that are essential for the effective functioning of the office. The Office Assistant is expected to act independently on routine matters while consulting with supervisors on more complex issues. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The Office Assistant will interact with various colleagues and stakeholders, facilitating communication and the exchange of information necessary for the office's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Office Assistant's duties include typing, formatting, and drafting routine correspondence, as well as collating tables, reports, presentations, and other documentation. The role involves receiving and directing telephone calls and visitors, screening and sending emails, and responding to routine inquiries. The Office Assistant will also enter, retrieve, structure, and update information and data from various sources, maintaining office files and reference systems according to standard procedures. Additionally, the Office Assistant will initiate and track administrative transactions in computerized systems related to finance, travel, and human resources. Organizing and administering meetings, workshops, and events, as well as arranging travel logistics and ensuring the availability of office supplies, are also key responsibilities. The Office Assistant may perform other duties as required, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in office support work. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is required, along with familiarity with MS Office applications and office technology equipment. 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. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational level of education is necessary to perform the administrative tasks and support functions expected of the Office Assistant.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least two years of relevant experience in office support work. This experience should demonstrate the ability to handle routine administrative tasks effectively and efficiently, as well as the capacity to work independently and as part of a team.

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 recruited locally. The role is full-time, and the successful candidate will be expected to work within commuting distance of the duty station in Rome. The Office Assistant will be part of a team that supports the Deputy Director-General's office, contributing to the overall mission of the FAO in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food security.