Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is 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. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries and the European Union, with its headquarters in Rome, Italy. The organization operates in over 130 countries, working with governments and partners to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's mission is to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. In Yemen, FAO's office is focused on addressing the country's food, agriculture, and rural development priorities, working closely with relevant ministries and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position at FAO in Aden, Yemen, is designed to support the effective implementation of various programs and projects aimed at improving food security and agricultural development in the country. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Yemen and the technical guidance of the International Water Resources and Irrigation Specialist. This role requires a strong focus on administration, water management, agriculture, and project management. The Programme Assistant will collaborate with multiple units, including Finance, Administration, and Communications, to ensure that program results are delivered efficiently and effectively. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational and administrative issues, ensuring compliance with FAO's policies and procedures, and maintaining high standards of operational excellence. The Programme Assistant will also play a crucial role in facilitating communication and information exchange among teams, contributing to the overall success of FAO's initiatives in Yemen.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the development of working documents and monitoring the implementation of assigned programs and projects; providing programmatic and administrative support to ensure timely execution of activities; identifying and proposing corrective actions for programmatic, administrative, and operational issues; assisting in the preparation and implementation of program and project documentation; contributing inputs for drafting work plans, budgets, progress reports, and proposals; gathering and organizing information for reports and other program-related materials; supporting procurement processes and maintaining tracking systems for contracts and LOAs; monitoring financial resource utilization in coordination with the Operations Unit; providing guidance to partners on administrative procedures; coordinating project implementation matters; maintaining communication with stakeholders; providing logistical support for meetings and events; facilitating travel arrangements; maintaining program correspondence and filing systems; and performing any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in science, business administration, management, information systems, communication, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of three years of relevant experience in results-based project or program planning and support is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of both English and Arabic, and must be nationals of Yemen. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role. Technical and functional skills, including experience in multiple locations or areas of work, knowledge in results monitoring and reporting, and familiarity with UN system procedures, are also important.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Programme Assistant position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as science, business administration, management, information systems, or communication. It is important that candidates have obtained their higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in project or program planning and support, with a focus on results-based approaches. Candidates should have experience in monitoring and reporting on program outcomes, as well as administrative support in a project context. Experience working with multilateral and international agencies is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the operational activities of the UN system.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of both English and Arabic, as these are the mandatory languages for the position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.