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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
•     advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•     provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
•     assist and catalyze partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
•     position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

In collaboration with key government agencies such as the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA), the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), and the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), FAO actively supports sustainable forest management, ecosystem protection, and the advancement of Papua New Guinea's climate change mitigation strategies. These efforts align with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (2018-2022) and the European Union’s Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) (2021-2027).

A notable initiative is the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project, which focuses on conserving threatened species and habitats, improving the management of protected areas and high conservation value zones, and fostering sustainable, biodiversity-friendly, climate-resilient livelihoods in the Eastern and Western Highlands Provinces. Meanwhile, the Forestry Climate Change Biodiversity (FCCB) Nexus project enhances the capacity to collect and disseminate critical forest information, creating an accessible platform for stakeholders to engage in sustainable forest management and ensure transparency in climate finance.

FAO, in collaboration with the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and other partners, is also formulating a Green Climate Fund (GCF)-financed project to strengthen climate-resilient forest and land-use management in Papua New Guinea. The project will focus on enhancing national and subnational capacities for climate change adaptation and mitigation, promoting sustainable land-use planning, and supporting the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National REDD Strategy. It will contribute to PNG’s transition toward low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways in line with the country’s climate and biodiversity commitments.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Papua New Guinea.

Reporting Lines

The National Programme Assistant will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, FAPNG. The incumbent will work in close consultation and coordination with International Operations Specialist and other FAO PNG team members to ensure smooth project execution and effective communication within the FAO PNG office and with stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The National Programme Assistant is responsible for providing operational and administrative support to ensure effective and compliant implementation of FAO’s environment and forestry-related projects in Papua New Guinea.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist in the preparation, processing, and monitoring of Letters of Agreement (LoAs) and Operational Partners Agreements (OPAs).
•     Support the operational and financial closure of projects, ensuring timely completion of all required documentation and system updates in line with the project cycle.
•     Conduct quality assurance of operational transactions, including Operational Advances, Meeting Travel Authorizations, Local/International Travel Authorizations, and related Travel Expense Claims (TECs).
•     Coordinate comprehensive travel logistics for staff and consultants—covering TAs, tickets, visas, accommodation, and vehicles—ensuring duty-of-care, cost efficiency, and compliance with FAO procedures.
•     Consolidate and monitor monthly travel and meeting plan, in accordance with the template and schedule provided by FAO PNG to align missions and events with approved budgets and implementation schedules.
•     Match invoices, manage cash and DSA advances, and reconcile monthly expenditures to ensure timely clearance of outstanding items and adherence to financial rules.
•     Maintain and update the asset register in GRMS, lead physical verification, and arrange transfers or disposals in line with FAO policy.
•     Oversee office facilities, fleet operations, security arrangements, and supply inventories to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
•     Perform other related duties as required to ensure smooth operational and programme delivery.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in human resources management, law, business administration, public administration, or another field relevant to FAO’s mandate. 
•     Three years of relevant experience in human resources management, legal or administrative functions, or programme and operations support.
•     Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English
•     National of Papua New Guinea

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in more than one programme, or operational area related to programme and operations support, preferably within development, environment, forestry or climate-related initiatives.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in providing operational and administrative support to development projects, including processing and monitoring Letters of Agreement (LoAs) and Operational Partner Agreements (OPAs), and supporting project operational and financial closure processes.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in managing and quality-assuring operational and financial transactions, including travel, advances, invoice processing, and basic reconciliation, in accordance with organizational rules and procedures..
•     Familiarity with asset and office logistics functions in line with organizational procedures.
•     Familiarity with FAO or other UN corporate systems and platforms relevant to programme and operations management (e.g. GRMS, travel and finance systems, document management platforms), and standard office software.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION