Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Project Support Division (PSS) has the lead responsibility for ensuring that corporate guidance on Project Cycle and Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), New Operational Modalities (PSSN) and Due Diligence are fit for purpose and contribute as part of a reinvigorated business environment to the Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Director, PSS, leads the Organization's work in oversight and monitoring of the field programme; project cycle management; management of the TCP; prospect research and review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support to new operational modalities.
The post is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the New Operational Modalities Unit of PSS, which facilitates the efficient and effective delivery of the FAO field programme through new working methodologies such as Operational Partners Implementation Modality (OPIM), Cash Transfers, Vouchers and Grants to beneficiaries. The work of the Unit is strongly field-focused, seeking to provide new or update/adapt policies, procedures, training and tools that maximize the effectiveness of FAO offices implementing projects, in a broad variety of contexts, respond to users' needs and corporate requirements.
Main Purpose
The Programme Assistant performs a wide range of routine administrative and financial functions in support of the delivery of the organizational unit's programme and projects.
Supervision Received/Exercised
The Programme Assistant reports to the Senior Programme Officer, PSSN, and receives guidance from other Divisional Assistants.
He/she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.
Working Relationships
The Programme Assistant interacts with a wide variety of colleagues within the work unit and with immediate clients within the Organization, providing routine administrative and financial services.
Key Functions/Results
โข ย ย Collect and compile data on programme/project activities to support reporting on programme/project delivery.
โข ย ย Provide information on programme/project expenditures and status of programme/project budget.
โข ย ย Process, format and proof-read reports, documents, publications and correspondence related to the work of the unit from draft texts.
โข ย ย Review and direct correspondence, calls and queries to appropriate contacts; provide for background information; respond to routine enquiries.
โข ย ย Make arrangements for meetings, seminars and events: implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make administrative arrangements.
โข ย ย Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments and procurement.
โข ย ย Perform other duties as required.
Impact Of Work
ย The incumbent's work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of the immediate work unit's programme.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. \"Commuting distance\" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.
Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building effective relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical Skills
โข ย ย Good knowledge of corporate information systems.
โข ย ย Good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations.
โข ย ย Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards.
Desirable Qualifications And Skill
โข ย ย Good knowledge of and experience with FAO trust funded project activities, and related FAO project cycle rules and procedures.
โข ย ย Knowledge of and experience with FAO budget rules and procedures.
โข ย ย Good knowledge of and experience with MS Excel, MS Word, and the standard MS O365 suite.
โข ย ย Knowledge of and experience with FAO tools and systems including FPMIS, PIRES, iMIS and GRMS.
โข ย ย Knowledge and experience in supporting field operations.
โข ย ย Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency โ level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).