Business Support Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Business Support Assistant position at WFP is designed to deliver a wide range of business support processes and activities within a specific professional area. This role is crucial for facilitating effective service delivery and ensuring that the operational needs of the organization are met. The job holder will be expected to manage various administrative and financial tasks, maintain records and databases, and support the overall efficiency of the office. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different levels of the organization. The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing business procedures and processes, contributing to the overall effectiveness of WFP's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collate information for inclusion in reports, documents, and correspondence to support the effective work of other staff members.
• Respond to standard queries and provide timely and accurate guidance to staff and stakeholders.
• Process and manage routine administrative and financial tasks across various functional areas, contributing to the effective and timely management of resources.
• Manage and maintain records and databases, ensuring that information is organized and readily available for staff use.
• Maintain relationships with a range of individuals by providing business support to assist in information sharing and service delivery.
• Proof-read reports, documentation, and correspondence, making necessary changes in line with established guidelines.
• Contribute to the improvement of business procedures and processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collect and perform basic analysis of data to contribute to quality business information management.
• Provide guidance and support to junior colleagues in performing their duties effectively.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires completion of secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area being desirable. Candidates should possess knowledge of specialized common business practices and methods, gained through relevant technical training and experience. Strong communication skills are essential for effective interaction with a variety of individuals, and the ability to maintain confidentiality is crucial. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain relationships to provide high-quality support services.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in a relevant field is preferred, indicating a foundational understanding of business practices and administrative functions. This educational background will support the candidate's ability to perform the duties required in this role effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have five or more years of progressively responsible work experience in the relevant business stream, with a focus on general administrative work. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of business support functions and the ability to manage various tasks efficiently. Experience in a humanitarian or international organization is an advantage, as it provides context for the work WFP does.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Depending on the location of the post, fluency or intermediate knowledge of another official UN language may also be required. For field positions, fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and in the local language, if different, is essential.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 12 months, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The role is classified at the G5 grade level, indicating a mid-level position within the organization. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse candidates. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, which includes various benefits and opportunities for professional development. WFP also emphasizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance and supports employees in their career growth through training and mentorship programs.