Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to increase production in a sustainable manner in order to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The post is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Office of the Director, NSP.

Main Purpose

The Programme Associate plays a lead role in the coordination of programme/projects support services for the office. He/she performs a broad range of programme, planning and budgeting activities requiring in-depth analysis and interpretation of relevant policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in the office or location.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Programme Associate reports to the Deputy Director, NSP. Work is performed autonomously, showing a high degree of initiative and independent judgment. Supervision received is focused on facilitating service delivery. The incumbent provides guidance and training to programme support staff in the office.

Working Relationships

The Programme Associate maintains a wide range of contacts with managers, staff and stakeholders inside and outside the office. The incumbent collaborates closely with colleagues in other offices and the corporate services, ensuring the quality and consistency of programme/projects support services.

Key Functions/Results

•    Coordinate the preparation, submission, revision and follow-up of Divisional budget, as well as the monitoring and provision of information on its implementation.
•    Coordinate, review and analyse the Periodic Budgetary Reports as needed.
•    Assemble and synthesize data from corporate and office databases to facilitate the analysis of programmes, projects or activities, and to draft periodic or ad hoc management reports.
•    Monitor projects and ensure the maintenance and retrieval of programming reference material, documentation, data and information.
•    Consolidate and monitor various reports on human resources planning and expenditures, the use of non-staff resources, communication and publishing plans, IT plans and travel schedules.
•    Screen incoming correspondence to identify issues requiring further attention and draft related correspondence.
•    Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing across the Division through training of staff and briefing of budget holders on administrative/budgetary/planning/programming/financial procedures and processes.
•    Review current processes and make recommendations to improve programme/projects administration procedures.
•    Perform other functions as required.

Impact Of Work

The incumbent’s work impacts directly on the smooth and efficient operations of the programme/project activities of the office. He/she plays a lead role in the coordination and provision of the programme support services for the successful achievement of the office’s mandate. He/she plays a pro-active role in the successful achievement of the office’s mandate.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Five years of experience in administrative/financial/planning/programming/budgeting activities.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of one of the other working languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
IT Skills: Good knowledge of 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

•    Extensive knowledge of and experience using corporate information systems.
•    Extensive knowledge of and experience with programme and budget processes and procedures.
•    Thorough knowledge of staff and affiliate workforce (HR/NSHR) rules, regulations and procedures.
•    Thorough knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations.
•    Thorough knowledge of communication and documentation standards.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

•    Experience in mentoring, training and supervising staff.
•    Familiarity with FAO field programme management procedures and guidelines.