Office Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945 and 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. The organization operates in over 120 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide. FAO's mission is to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the 2030 Agenda. The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) plays a crucial role in providing investment and finance solutions to enhance agrifood systems, partnering with various stakeholders including governments, financial institutions, and research bodies to improve agrifood investments.

Job Overview:
The Office Assistant position is integral to the smooth operation of the FAO Investment Centre (CFI) in Rome. The role involves performing a variety of routine administrative tasks and providing office support functions that contribute to the efficient running of the work unit. The Office Assistant will report to the Programme Officer (Investment) and will be expected to act independently on routine matters while consulting with supervisors on more complex issues. This position is essential for maintaining effective communication and organization within the office, ensuring that all administrative processes are handled efficiently and effectively. The Office Assistant will also support the organization of meetings, workshops, and events, which are critical for the collaborative efforts of the CFI and its partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Office Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties including typing, formatting, and drafting routine correspondence; collating tables, reports, presentations, and other documentation; receiving and directing telephone calls and visitors; screening and sending emails; responding to routine inquiries; entering, retrieving, structuring, and updating information and data from various sources; setting up and maintaining office files and reference systems; initiating and tracking administrative transactions in computerized systems; supporting the organization of meetings and events; arranging travel logistics; ensuring the availability of office supplies; and performing other duties as required. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the office runs smoothly and that all administrative tasks are completed in a timely and organized manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in office support work. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is required, along with knowledge of MS Office applications and office technology equipment. Candidates should also be familiar with corporate computerized financial, travel, and human resources systems and administrative procedures. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of Italy or possess a valid visa or work permit to be eligible for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for performing the administrative tasks required of the Office Assistant, as it provides the necessary skills for effective communication, organization, and basic office management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in office support work. This experience should include familiarity with administrative procedures, office technology, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Candidates with experience in international organizations or similar environments will be particularly well-suited for this role, as they will be accustomed to the dynamics of a diverse workplace.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication within the office and with external stakeholders. While not mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the FAO's work in various countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as General Service Staff, which means that candidates must be nationals of Italy or possess a valid work permit. The role is full-time and requires the Office Assistant to reside within commuting distance of the duty station in Rome. This ensures that the candidate can travel daily between their residence and the office. The position may involve a contract duration that aligns with the needs of the FAO Investment Centre, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may require flexibility and adaptability.