National Programme Assistant

Organizational Setting

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a dynamic and revitalized organization, recognized as the leading UN agency in the global fight to eradicate hunger, reduce rural poverty, and promote sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and livestock development. Additionally, FAO champions the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment to benefit vulnerable communities and rural populations.

FAO’s country-level operations require strong programme support to ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of activities under the Country Programme Framework. While technical officers lead substantive areas, there is an increasing need for dedicated programme support personnel at the national level to strengthen coordination with government counterparts, support day to day project operations, ensure compliance with FAO procedures, and contribute to timely delivery of programme outputs.

Reporting Lines

The National Programme Assistant works under the overall supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) and direct supervision of the Head of Programme (HoP).

Technical Focus

Provide programme support through data collection and analysis, corporate reporting, and coordination with UNCT/UNRCO, while ensuring accurate project planning inputs, procurement/recruitment data management, and effective liaison and documentation support for FAO PNG operations.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist in collecting information and preparing inputs to report to the UNCT on FAO programs and projects contributing to the UNSDCF 2024-2028.
•     Participate in meetings organized by the UNRCO relevant to FAO’s contribution to the UNSDCF2024-2028, and provide timely updates to the HoO and HoP;
•     Contribute to the FAO PNG work planning, implementation, monitoring of progress and reporting on expected results, including corporate reporting requirements.
•     Assist in project procurement and recruitment plans as requested, and ensure that required information and data are properly reflected in FPMIS
•     Assist in the collection and preparation of data and (background) information in the areas of FAO’s activities in the country (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural / sustainable development).
•     Update, analyse and summarize data from various sources, including FAO corporate systems, such as COIN (Country Office Information System), FPMIS (Field Programme Management Information System), Data warehouse, GRMS (Global Resources Management System), and country databases, and provide regular updates to HoO and HoP
•     Assist in the preparation and submission of concept notes, project documents, project briefs, progress reports.
•     Assist the HoO and HoP in preparing official correspondence (letters, email, etc.), and maintain an effective filing system.
•     Assist the HoO and HoP in liaising with relevant government ministries, donors, and implementing partners, for FAO activities and project implementation, as required
•     Support the facilitation and organization of meetings, workshops and trainings as needed
•     Perform any other related duties as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
 

Minimum requirements 

•     University degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field. 
•     At least three (3) years of relevant programme or administrative experience. 
•     Background or experience in agriculture is an added advantage.
•     Working knowledge of English and Tok Pisin. Knowledge of an additional language is an advantage. 
•     National of Papua New Guinea or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus 
•     Teamwork 
•     Communication 
•     Building Effective Relationships 
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

Technical Functions/ Skills

•     Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to produce clear and compelling content. 
•     Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and coordinate with government and partner organizations
•     Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., MS Office).