Assistant FAO Representative (Administration)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization works towards achieving the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which aims to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse team of experts and collaborating closely with governments, farmers, and stakeholders to support food and nutrition security initiatives. In Sierra Leone, FAO implements an integrated food security program that focuses on diversifying livelihoods, managing natural resources, and building resilience, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Job Overview:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) plays a crucial role in providing administrative support to the FAO Representation in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This position involves overseeing program administration and financial management, ensuring that all operational expenditures align with approved budgets. The Assistant Representative will report directly to the FAO Representative and is expected to maintain financial records, monitor accounts, and supervise the administrative team. The role requires a proactive approach to managing office operations, preparing financial correspondence, and ensuring compliance with organizational security guidelines. The successful candidate will contribute to the effective and efficient administration of FAO's programs and projects, thereby supporting the organization's mission to enhance food security and nutrition in Sierra Leone.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including:

• Providing administrative support in finance and budgetary control, ensuring that all financial records are accurately maintained and monitored.
• Supervising the administrative team, assisting with data organization, retrieval, entry, selection, and analysis from various sources, including FAO's corporate systems.
• Preparing financial and administrative correspondence, processing payments, and maintaining a comprehensive filing system for key documentation.
• Assisting in the preparation of recurring reports on program, project, and office accounts, and supporting budget planning and audit requests.
• Liaising with local banks and financial institutions to monitor the receipt of Government contributions and ensure proper procurement and customs clearances.
• Ensuring compliance with the Organization's security guidelines (Minimum Operational Security Standards - MOSS).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a national of the country of assignment (Sierra Leone).
• Hold an advanced university degree in a field related to business or public administration.
• Have at least one year of relevant experience in office management, administration, accounting, and/or audit, budget, or finance.
• Possess a working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and the local language. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, public administration, finance, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of program administration and financial management within the context of FAO's operations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of one year of relevant experience in office management, administration, accounting, and/or audit, budget, or finance. Experience in field positions or in multiple locations is desirable, as it provides a broader understanding of the operational challenges and requirements in different contexts. Supervisory experience is also beneficial, as the role involves managing an administrative team.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (level C) is mandatory, as it is the working language of the organization. Additionally, a working knowledge of the local language is required to facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) will be granted a fixed-term appointment, with the duration specified in the letter of appointment or extension. The total length of service shall not exceed five years, and there is no expectation of renewal or conversion to another type of appointment. However, incumbents are encouraged to apply for other positions within the Organization as opportunities arise.