Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Yemen is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Yemen. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. 
This position is based in FAO Representation in Aden, Yemen. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Yemen, the technical supervision of the International Water Resources and Irrigation Specialist.

Technical Focus

Administration, Water, Agriculture or any other related fields with vast experience in project management and implementation of programmes.

The Programme Assistant will work in close collaboration with the Programme, Finance and Administration, Operations, Communications, and other relevant units to support the effective and coordinated delivery of programme results. The incumbent will contribute to the efficient exchange of information across teams, proactively identify and analyze programme-related operational and administrative issues, and support the timely implementation of appropriate solutions to ensure smooth execution of activities.

The Programme Assistant is expected to exercise full compliance with FAO’s programming, financial, procurement, and administrative rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The role requires consistent application of established internal control frameworks and risk mitigation measures, ensuring accountability, transparency, and integrity in all aspects of programme implementation. The incumbent will contribute to maintaining high standards of operational excellence and adherence to organizational governance requirements in line with FAO and UN system policies.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Support the development of working documents and assist in monitoring the implementation of assigned programmes and projects.
•     Provide programmatic and administrative support as required to ensure timely execution of activities.
•     Assist in identifying programmatic, administrative, and operational issues during project implementation; propose corrective actions, liaise with relevant units, and track follow-up actions to resolution.
•     Assist in the preparation and implementation of programme and project documentation, including Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and related tracking tools.
•     Contribute inputs for the drafting and consolidation of work plans, budgets, progress reports, presentations, and proposals.
•     Identify relevant data sources; gather, compile, and organize information for the preparation of reports, guidelines, briefs, and other programme-related materials.
•     Support the programme team in preparing and reviewing documentation related to the procurement of goods and services.
•     Maintain tracking systems for contracts, LOAs, and procurement processes.
•     Assist in monitoring the utilization of financial resources in close coordination with the Operations Unit to ensure alignment with approved budgets and work plans.
•     Provide guidance to implementing partners and programme counterparts on applicable administrative procedures to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
•     Support coordination between country and project offices on routine project implementation matters.
•     Maintain liaison with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders to stay updated on regulatory and operational requirements.
•     Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings, workshops, and events, including preparation of agendas, documentation, and meeting minutes.
•     Facilitate travel arrangements for programme and project staff (internal and external), including preparation of travel requisitions and claims.
•     Maintain programme correspondence and communication records.
•     Collect, register, and maintain information related to programme activities.
•     Establish and maintain organized filing systems (both hard copy and electronic), ensuring safekeeping of confidential documents and easy retrieval of records.
•     Maintain up-to-date reference files and documentation in compliance with organizational standards.
•     Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to support effective programme delivery.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Bachelor’s degree in science, business administration, management, information systems, communication or related fields.
•     Three years of relevant experience in results-based project/programme planning and support.
•     Working knowledge of English and Arabic.
•     National of Yemen.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•     Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge in results monitoring and reporting
•     Extent and relevance of experience in programme/project monitoring and administrative support
•     Extent and relevance of experience in multilateral and international agencies
•     Familiarity with UN system, procedures and operational activities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION