Programme Assistant (Operations)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. 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 agriculture and rural development. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly the goal of ending hunger and ensuring food security and improved nutrition. FAO's work is guided by its strategic framework, which emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and resilience in agrifood systems.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant (Operations) plays a crucial role in the coordination of specialized and complex processes and activities that support the delivery of the Office's work programme, planning, and budgeting activities. This position is essential for ensuring that the office operates efficiently and effectively, providing procedural guidance to managers and staff. The Programme Assistant is expected to work independently, prioritize tasks, and make decisions that enhance the quality of work outputs. The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across the organization to ensure consistency and quality in the support services provided for various programs and projects. The Programme Assistant will also be responsible for monitoring budgets, preparing reports, and ensuring that all administrative and financial actions related to staff management and project implementation are executed smoothly.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant (Operations) will be responsible for a variety of tasks, 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), biennial Program of Work and Budget (PWB), and 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. The role also involves responding to routine queries, providing clarifications on program and project matters, and maintaining office records and reference files. The Programme Assistant will compile and synthesize data from various sources to support financial analyses and generate management reports. Furthermore, the incumbent will coordinate administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement. The Programme Assistant will also support the dissemination of project outputs and provide procedural guidance to junior staff, while continuously reviewing and recommending improvements to current administrative procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary school education and have at least four years of relevant experience in providing program/project support services. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory, and candidates should have good knowledge of MS Office applications and office technology equipment. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of Somalia or possess a valid visa or work permit to work in the country, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative and operational tasks associated with the role of Programme Assistant (Operations).

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in providing program/project support services. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage complex processes and activities effectively, as well as a solid understanding of budget monitoring and administrative procedures.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having a working knowledge of the local language, Somali, is considered a desirable qualification that can enhance communication and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified under the General Service Staff category, and candidates must be nationals of Somalia or possess a valid work permit. The role is based in Mogadishu, and candidates must reside within commuting distance of the duty station. The position is full-time, and the incumbent will be expected to work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of programs and projects.