Programme Assistant

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. FAO's mission is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates globally, with a presence in over 130 countries, and is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of rural populations. FAO's work is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization emphasizes environmental sustainability as a core aspect of its strategic objectives and operations, aiming to leave no one behind in its efforts to improve food security and nutrition.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the delivery of the organizational unit's programs and projects by performing a variety of routine administrative and financial functions. This position is essential for ensuring that the unit operates efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall success of FAO's mission. The Programme Assistant will report to the Senior Programme Officer and will work closely with other divisional assistants, acting independently in routine matters while receiving guidance on the quality of work performed. The role involves interacting with colleagues across the organization and providing essential administrative and financial services that facilitate the smooth operation of the unit's activities. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for collecting and compiling data on program/project activities, providing information on expenditures and budget status, processing and proofreading reports and documents, and managing logistics for meetings and events. This position is vital for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the unit's operations, directly impacting the timely delivery of programs and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Collecting and compiling data on program/project activities to support reporting on program/project delivery.
• Providing information on program/project expenditures and the status of the program/project budget.
• Processing, formatting, and proofreading reports, documents, publications, and correspondence related to the work of the unit from draft texts.
• Reviewing and directing correspondence, calls, and queries to appropriate contacts, providing background information, and responding to routine inquiries.
• Making arrangements for meetings, seminars, and events, including implementing logistics, preparing correspondence, compiling and distributing documents, and making administrative arrangements.
• Initiating and following up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement.
• Performing other duties as required to support the unit's objectives and ensure effective program delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Education: Secondary School Education is required.
• Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work is essential.
• Languages: A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory.
• IT Skills: Candidates should possess good knowledge of MS Office applications, the Internet, and office technology equipment. Additionally, familiarity with corporate information systems and common administrative and financial rules and regulations is advantageous.
• Competencies: Candidates should demonstrate results focus, teamwork, effective communication, relationship building, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of secondary school education. This foundational education is essential for performing the administrative and financial functions required of the Programme Assistant. While higher education may be beneficial, it is not explicitly required for this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. This experience should ideally include familiarity with the operational aspects of program/project management, as well as a solid understanding of administrative processes and financial regulations. Candidates with experience in international organizations or similar environments will be particularly well-suited for this role, as they will have a better understanding of the complexities involved in supporting program delivery in a global context.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Additionally, it is desirable for candidates to have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
Candidates applying for this position should note that General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible, candidates must be nationals of Italy or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of application. The term 'commuting distance' refers to the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence. This position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic work environment that emphasizes collaboration and effective program delivery.