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 standard business support processes for a specific professional area of work, facilitating effective service delivery. The role requires the individual to gather information and support the drafting of documents and reports, respond to queries, and manage routine administrative and financial tasks across various functional areas. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective and timely management of resources, contributing to the overall mission of WFP. This position is integral to maintaining the operational efficiency of the organization, and the individual will be expected to work collaboratively with various teams, ensuring that all business support services are delivered consistently and to the required standards. The role also emphasizes the importance of data integrity and accuracy in documentation, which is vital for the organization's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Business Support Assistant include:

• Gathering information with clear direction to support the drafting of documents and preparing reports by other staff.
• Responding to queries and escalating issues where appropriate to provide timely and accurate service to clients.
• Supporting the processing and management of routine administrative and financial tasks in various functional areas to contribute to effective resource management.
• Providing revision and proofreading services for standard documents to ensure the development of accurate documentation.
• Maintaining standard systems and files to ensure information is accurate and readily available for the function.
• Identifying discrepancies in statistics and data, such as missing information, and reporting these to senior staff to support clients in delivering their work.
• Taking responsibility for data integrity to facilitate the availability of accurate information in corporate systems.
• Providing guidance on routine business support methods and practices to junior colleagues to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Collaborating with a variety of individuals and taking feedback to assist in business support delivery for staff.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Business Support Assistant position include:

• Completion of secondary school education.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible work experience in the relevant business stream, particularly in general administrative work.
• Proficiency in the use of office equipment and computer software packages, such as Microsoft Word.
• Knowledge of work routines and methods to complete processes under minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to use tact and courtesy to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to identify data discrepancies and rectify problems requiring attention.
• Capability to offer guidance or basic on-the-job training to more junior staff members.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position is the completion of secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative processes and tasks that the Business Support Assistant will be responsible for. Additional training or certifications in office administration or related fields may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Experience:
The position requires four or more years of progressively responsible work experience in the relevant business stream, with a focus on general administrative work. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle various administrative tasks, manage resources effectively, and support the operational needs of the organization. Experience in a humanitarian or international organization is a plus, as it provides context for the unique challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station is mandatory. Additionally, proficiency in the local language of the duty station, if different, is also required. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with colleagues and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Kenema, Sierra Leone. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a competitive compensation package, which includes various benefits and opportunities for professional development. WFP emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce and actively promotes equal employment opportunities for all candidates, regardless of their background.