FAO Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing policy advice and support to countries in areas related to food and agriculture, facilitated through partnerships and resources. FAO Country Offices deliver on programmatic priorities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective operations with adequate human and financial resources. They advocate for policies and investments in food security, provide technical assistance, and support agrifood systems transformation while ensuring accountability and risk management in operations.

Job Overview:
The FAO Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in providing technical and operational support for project implementation. This position involves preparing program documents and reports, compiling and analyzing data from corporate systems, and ensuring accurate documentation and filing. The Programme Assistant will support monitoring activities, organize meetings and missions, manage correspondence, and assist in producing background materials. The role also includes contributing to project coordination, logistical arrangements, and routine administrative tasks to ensure smooth delivery of program operations. The Programme Assistant will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative and the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), collaborating closely with the program cluster team to achieve the objectives of the FAO's mission in Nepal.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: assisting in the preparation of project proposals, briefs, and reports; collecting and compiling data on program/project activities; processing, formatting, and proofreading reports and documents; reviewing and directing correspondence and queries; organizing policy dialogues, workshops, and consultation meetings; making arrangements for meetings and events; entering and analyzing data from various sources; maintaining logs and records; participating in project monitoring; preparing background materials for briefings and meetings; and carrying out other specific operational tasks as required. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with teams and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, development studies, or related fields. They should have at least five years of relevant experience post-degree in supporting program and project operations, preferably with UN agencies, international NGOs, or donor-funded government projects. A working knowledge of English and Nepali is essential, and candidates must be nationals of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal or residents with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and multitasking abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to work within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, development studies, or other related fields. It is important that the degree is obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in supporting program and project operations after obtaining their degree. This experience should preferably be with UN agencies, international NGOs, or donor-funded government projects, demonstrating a solid understanding of the operational and technical aspects of program implementation.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Nepali. Candidates must have a working knowledge of both languages to effectively communicate and perform their duties. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website. The position may involve full-time work, and candidates should be prepared for the responsibilities associated with supporting program operations in a dynamic environment.