Programme Support Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was established in 194

• FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) leads FAO's response to regional priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs and identifying priority areas of action in collaboration with various departments and divisions at Headquarters.

Job Overview:
The position of Programme Support Associate is integral to the Digital Agriculture Team at the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. The team is tasked with catalyzing the digital transformation of agriculture across the region, leading initiatives such as the FAO Digital Villages and the Hand-in-Hand initiative. The incumbent will provide comprehensive support in operational and administrative tasks, project management, and communication material development. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth execution of the team's activities and the successful delivery of events, workshops, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing digital agriculture. The position offers a Personal Service Agreement for an initial 6-month trial period, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The incumbent will be based in Budapest and will report to the Head of Digital Agriculture, contributing to the overall success of the team's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Support Associate will undertake a variety of tasks to support the Digital Agriculture team, including but not limited to: assisting with the development of communication materials such as social media content and presentations; managing the publication of content on the regional Digital Villages Initiative hub; organizing and delivering events and technical workshops; ensuring compliance with publication guidelines; providing translation support between English and Russian; assisting in the recruitment process for personnel; managing procurement processes; arranging travel for field missions; tracking project progress and budgetary expenses; and producing tailored briefing materials for high-level engagements. The role requires a proactive approach to information management and communication, ensuring that all outputs align with FAO standards and guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in international relations, economics, agriculture, business administration, communications, or a related field. Additionally, at least one year of relevant experience in communication, information management, operations, administrative work, and program/project management support is required. Proficiency in English and Russian is mandatory, with a working knowledge of both languages at a proficient level (Level C). Candidates must be nationals of Hungary or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as international relations, economics, agriculture, business administration, or communications. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the context in which the FAO operates.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in supporting communication, information management, operations, administrative work, and program/project management support. This experience is crucial for the incumbent to effectively contribute to the Digital Agriculture team's objectives and to navigate the operational landscape of the FAO.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Russian is mandatory for this position, as the role involves communication and translation tasks between these languages. A strong command of both languages is essential for effective collaboration and information dissemination within the team and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a Personal Service Agreement for an initial 6-month trial period, with the possibility of extension to 11 months based on satisfactory performance. A mandatory break from duty of at least 30 consecutive days is required within any twelve-month period, after which the contract may be renewed depending on performance and availability of funds. The role is full-time and based in Budapest, Hungary.