Administrative Assistant to the FAO Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency 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's mission is 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 work encompasses a wide range of areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and sustainable management of natural resources. In Kyrgyzstan, FAO assists the government in developing policies and programs aimed at addressing food security and nutrition, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing rural livelihoods. The FAO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan operates under the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2023-2027, which aligns with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant to the FAO Representative plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of the Representative's office. This position requires a high level of confidentiality and professionalism, as the assistant will manage the Representative's calendar, coordinate meetings, and handle communications with high-ranking visitors. The role involves providing interpreter services during meetings, preparing briefing materials, and managing travel arrangements. The Administrative Assistant will also maintain the filing system, ensure the safekeeping of confidential materials, and coordinate logistics for high-level missions and events. This position is integral to the smooth operation of the office and requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and national authorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant include: managing the supervisor's calendar and appointments, providing interpreter services and taking minutes during meetings, supporting protocol procedures, preparing high-quality briefing materials, managing the Representative's missions and schedule, maintaining rosters of partners, preparing correspondence and directives, making travel arrangements, ensuring effective communication support, maintaining the filing system, coordinating secretarial services, screening incoming calls and correspondence, organizing staff meetings, monitoring security issues, coordinating logistics for high-level missions, capturing and tracking tasks from management meetings, maintaining office supplies, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess secondary education, with a preference for a bachelor's degree or similar education in business administration, management, communication, or a relevant field. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible secretarial and/or clerical experience is required. Candidates must have a working knowledge of English (level C) and the local languages (Russian and Kyrgyz). Nationality or residency in Kyrgyzstan with a valid work permit is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, as well as proficiency in standard office software such as MS Office.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree or equivalent in fields such as business administration, management, or communication. Relevant education that supports the functions of the role will be considered favorably.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of progressively responsible experience in secretarial and/or clerical roles. Experience in office administration and operations support, particularly within international organizations, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN operational procedures is considered an asset, as is experience working under pressure and in challenging conditions.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include English (working knowledge level C) and the local languages, specifically Russian and Kyrgyz. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the office and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The role may involve working under pressure and requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. Candidates should possess a cooperative spirit and be open to working in an international environment. The position may also involve handling sensitive information, requiring utmost discretion and confidentiality. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO policies and regulations.