Junior Programme Support Specialist

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 a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's strategic framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) plays a crucial role in addressing regional priorities related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring that these priorities are integrated into the organization's work and budget.

Job Overview:
The Junior Programme Support Specialist position is located in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) in Budapest, Hungary. The role involves supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the regional work programme. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Programme Coordination and Planning Officer and will collaborate closely with technical officers and other team members. The primary focus of this position is to assist in the coordination of regional programmes, ensuring that the FAO's Strategic Framework is effectively implemented in the region. This includes contributing to the formulation and review of the Regional Work Programme, managing budgets, and preparing reports using FAO systems. The specialist will also provide logistical and administrative support for meetings and events, ensuring that all necessary documentation is prepared and distributed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Programme Support Specialist will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the regional planning process by assisting in the formulation and review of the Regional Work Programme and contributing to corporate planning exercises.
• Coordinating the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework in the region, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
• Managing budgetary aspects of the regional work programme, preparing reports as needed, and utilizing FAO systems such as FPMIS, GRMS, and IMIS.
• Contributing to regional output level monitoring and corporate year-end reporting exercises, providing advisory services to countries as required.
• Preparing background documents and reports as requested, ensuring that all information is accurate and relevant.
• Providing logistical and administrative support for the organization of meetings, events, and workshops, including preparing and distributing meeting minutes.
• Performing any other related activities as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in social, economic, agricultural, environmental sciences, or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. A first-level degree with two years of additional experience may be considered equivalent.
• At least one year of relevant experience in supporting the coordination, monitoring, and reporting of multi-disciplinary activities in international and/or technical organizations.
• A working knowledge of English is mandatory, while knowledge of Russian would be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as social, economic, agricultural, or environmental sciences. Candidates with a first-level degree may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the work involved in supporting FAO's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in supporting the coordination, monitoring, and reporting of multi-disciplinary activities. Experience in international or technical organizations is preferred, as it provides the necessary context for understanding the operational environment of FAO. Candidates with work experience in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, will be viewed favorably, as this demonstrates adaptability and a broader understanding of regional challenges.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within FAO. Knowledge of Russian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the region where Russian is spoken. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial, depending on the specific needs of the role and the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Budapest, Hungary, and is likely to be a full-time role. The specific contract duration and seniority level have not been detailed in the job posting. Candidates should be prepared for the possibility of working in an international context, as FAO operates in various countries and regions. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and may include opportunities for professional development and training.