Administrative 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 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, aiming to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Support Specialist plays a crucial role in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) by providing essential administrative and operational assistance. This position is vital for ensuring the efficient functioning of the office, which includes supporting daily operations, coordinating meetings and events, maintaining records, and facilitating communication with both internal and external stakeholders. The specialist will be responsible for managing travel and logistics arrangements, ensuring compliance with FAO policies, and supporting the implementation and monitoring of regional programs and initiatives. The role requires a proactive approach to administrative coordination and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Support Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing comprehensive administrative support to the assigned officer and team; managing correspondence and maintaining accurate records and files; screening communications and responding to routine inquiries; coordinating travel arrangements for staff, including processing travel authorizations and claims; reviewing and tracking incoming correspondence to ensure timely follow-up; drafting, proofreading, and formatting routine documents; initiating and processing administrative actions within corporate systems; supporting human resources activities, including processing vacancy announcements; compiling and maintaining information databases; and ensuring that both electronic and physical filing systems are accurate and up to date. The specialist will also monitor administrative processes and workflows, proactively following up with stakeholders to ensure timely completion of actions and deliverables, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School diploma or a University degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Administrative Sciences, Human Resources, or a related field. Additionally, at least one year of experience in administrative support, office management, or operational support functions is required. This experience should include travel administration, records management, and processing administrative transactions in a corporate environment. Candidates should also demonstrate a working knowledge of Arabic (level C) and an intermediate knowledge of English (level B).

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a High School diploma or a University degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Administrative Sciences, or Human Resources. This educational background is essential for understanding the administrative processes and functions that the role entails.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in administrative support or office management. This experience should encompass operational support functions, including travel administration, records management, and workflow tracking. Experience in a corporate environment is particularly valuable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the administrative processes that will be encountered in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of Arabic at level C, which indicates a high proficiency in the language. Additionally, candidates should have an intermediate knowledge of English at level B, which is important for drafting documents and communicating effectively within the organization. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Cairo, Egypt, and is open to nationals of Egypt or residents with a valid work permit. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements outlined in the job description. The FAO values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals.