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 Office of Innovation (OIN) is an important instrument within FAO to provide strategic direction and help drive and coordinate innovation across the work of the Organization, i.e. to consolidate and strengthen FAO’s innovative spirit, including the innovation of approaches and cooperation models. OIN supports the Programme Priority Areas (PPAs), ensuring that FAO mainstreams innovation in its programs, facilitates cross-collaboration between the various FAO units and aids in forging and reinforcing transformative partnerships.
The post is located in the Office of Innovation (OIN) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

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 OIN Programme Officer and receives guidance from the Innovation Officer (Farmer Field Schools) and higher-graded General Service staff.
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

•    Collect and compile data on programme and or project activities to support reporting and delivery.
•    Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, affiliate workforce support, travel, payments, etc.
•    Review and prepare routine documentation and correspondence related to assigned procurement actions.
•    Provide information on programme and/or project expenditures and status of programme and /or project budget.
•    Process, format and proof-read reports, documents, publications and correspondence related to the work of the unit from draft texts.
•    Review and direct correspondence, calls and queries to appropriate contacts; provide background information; respond to routine enquiries.
•    Make arrangements for meetings, seminars and events: implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make administrative arrangements.
•    Perform other duties as required.

Impact Of Work

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

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building effective relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

•    Good knowledge of corporate information systems.
•    Good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations.
•    Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards
•    Good knowledge of corporate computerized financial/travel/human resources systems and administrative procedures and policies.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

•    Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
•    Good knowledge of the organizational structure.
•    Good knowledge of project budget management procedures.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements