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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its commitment to addressing hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Business Support Assistant position is crucial for providing dedicated administrative support to the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe Regional Director's Office (RDO). This role involves assisting the Deputy Regional Director and Desk Officers with various administrative tasks, coordinating with corporate services, organizing meetings and events, and maintaining essential tracking and filing systems. The position requires a proactive approach to managing multiple administrative functions, ensuring that the office operates smoothly and efficiently. The successful candidate will be expected to gather, organize, and analyze information to support the preparation of correspondence and documentation, thereby playing a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the RDO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Support Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: providing general administrative and logistical support to the RDO, including the Deputy Regional Director and Desk Officers; gathering, organizing, and analyzing information to assist in the preparation of correspondence and briefings; coordinating with outposted technical functions such as travel, HR, ICT, and finance to resolve administrative issues; managing and maintaining filing systems and shared drives to ensure accessible records; drafting routine communications and proofreading documents for quality assurance; organizing RDO-led meetings and events, including logistics and documentation; maintaining tracking tools for travel, leave, and administrative workflows; reviewing data entries for discrepancies; providing informal guidance to junior support staff or interns; and contributing to a collaborative working environment by responding to queries professionally.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree in Business Administration or a relevant field. Additionally, they should have five or more years of progressively responsible work experience in a related business stream, particularly in general administrative work. Knowledge of specialized common business practices and methods is essential, along with the ability to develop and maintain relationships with various individuals to provide high-quality support services. Strong communication skills are required to effectively convey and receive information, and candidates must demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a first university degree in Business Administration or a relevant field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the administrative and operational functions that the Business Support Assistant will be involved in, ensuring that they have the necessary theoretical knowledge to complement their practical experience.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in a relevant business stream. This experience should include a strong background in general administrative work, demonstrating the ability to handle various tasks and responsibilities effectively. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing administrative functions and supporting senior staff in a dynamic work environment.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the diverse teams at WFP and for interacting with stakeholders across the region. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Cairo, Egypt, and is classified at the G5 level, indicating a mid-level position within the organization. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes various benefits aimed at supporting the personal and professional development of its employees. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, ensuring reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process.