Organizational Setting

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
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 in order to increase production in a sustainable manner in order to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.
The team leads efforts to reduce reliance on pesticides by adopting an integrated pest management approach and provides advice, technical support and guidance to countries aimed at improving pesticide life-cycle management.

The post is located in the Pest and Pesticide Management Team (NSPCD), one of the six teams in the Plant Protection and Production (NSP) Division, 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 Project Coordinator, under the overall supervision of the Team Leader.
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.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

•     Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Spanish.
•     Previous experience working on FAO projects.
•     Previous experience working with FAO country offices.