Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, established to provide investment and finance solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience of agrifood systems. The organization operates in over 120 countries, partnering with various stakeholders including governments, financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, research institutions, and academia. The CFI focuses on strategic investment planning and policy, public and private investment, and innovative finance, complemented by knowledge sharing and capacity development initiatives aimed at improving agrifood investment quality and quantity.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the FAO Investment Centre's programs and projects by performing a variety of routine administrative and financial functions. This position is essential for the smooth operation of the organizational unit, ensuring that all administrative tasks are handled efficiently. The Programme Assistant will report to the Programme Officer in the Office of the Director (CFID) and will work under the overall guidance of the Director of CFI. The role requires a proactive approach to managing routine matters independently while ensuring high-quality work output. The Programme Assistant will interact with colleagues across the organization, providing essential administrative and financial services that support the unit's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant's duties include collecting and compiling data on program and project activities to aid in reporting and delivery. They will initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, travel, payments, and other operational needs. The role involves reviewing and preparing routine documentation and correspondence related to procurement actions, providing information on program expenditures and budget status, and processing, formatting, and proofreading reports and documents. Additionally, the Programme Assistant will manage correspondence, calls, and queries, ensuring they are directed to the appropriate contacts and providing background information as needed. They will also be responsible for arranging meetings, seminars, and events, implementing logistics, preparing correspondence, and compiling and distributing documents. Other duties may be assigned as required, all of which contribute to the timely and efficient delivery of the unit's programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education and have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is required, along with good IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications and office technology equipment. Candidates must also be nationals of Italy or possess a valid visa or work permit to be eligible for this position.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for understanding the administrative and financial tasks that the Programme Assistant will be responsible for.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. This experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively manage the various responsibilities associated with the role, including budget monitoring, administrative tasks, and communication within the organization.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication and documentation within the organization. While not explicitly stated, additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in a multicultural environment such as the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified under the General Service Staff category, which means that candidates must be local nationals or possess a valid work permit to apply. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates must reside within commuting distance of the duty station in Rome, Italy. This requirement ensures that staff can travel daily between their residence and workplace without significant logistical challenges.