Organizational Settings

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works with Member Countries to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. FAO provides technical assistance and policy support to strengthen national capacities and advance the 2030 Agenda.

Within FAO, the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) supports countries in preventing, detecting and responding to high-impact animal health threats, zoonoses, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), through strengthened preparedness, surveillance, and One Health collaboration.

In Bangladesh, FAO ECTAD works closely with government counterparts and development partners to support effective programme delivery, operational compliance, and evidence-based planning.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Bangladesh, the technical guidance of the Technical Advisor, and the direct supervision of the International Operations Specialist, the Programme Coordination Assistant will work in close cooperation with FAO staff and Government of Bangladesh counterparts to support the implementation of programme and field activities.

Technical Focus
    
The Programme Coordination Assistant (SC5) will provide operational, administrative, financial, and logistical support to ensure timely delivery of programme activities. The role focuses on workplan implementation, coordination of field operations, procurement and travel processing, data organization, and support to reporting and documentation.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•     Provide operational support for the planning and implementation of field activities, including budget preparation, monitoring, logistical arrangements, and settlement of cash advances in coordination with the Finance Unit.
•     Process, format, and proofread reports, documents, and publications before internal review; compile routine programme information such as training activities, participant records, and expenditure summaries; and maintain systematic recordkeeping of correspondence and documentation.
•     Assist in preparing and monitoring Letters of Agreement (LOAs), follow up with technical teams on service completion, and ensure timely submission of required reports and payment documentation.
•     Support procurement processes for project activities, including drafting technical specifications, preparing monthly procurement plans, uploading purchase requisitions in FAO’s Global Resource Management System (GRMS), and reviewing documentation for accuracy.
•     Manage administrative and financial actions related to travel, including uploading travel requests for authorization and processing local travel expense claims in GRMS.
•     Coordinate and support logistics for workshops, meetings, seminars, conferences, and other events, including correspondence preparation, document compilation, and administrative arrangements.
•     Process, format, and proofread internal reports, documents, and programme materials for internal circulation, ensuring systematic recordkeeping of correspondence and documentation.
•     Manage routine programme queries, correspondence, and calls, providing background information and directing matters to appropriate contacts.
•     Provide interpretation and translation support for field activities when translation staff are unavailable.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or another relevant field.
•     At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in programme administration, operations, or office support functions.
•     Working knowledge of English and Bengali.
•     National of Bangladesh.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Proven experience providing operational, administrative, and financial support for development and field-based projects, preferably in UN agencies or international organizations.
•     Strong capacity in budget preparation, monitoring, data organization, and workplan implementation to support timely programme delivery.
•     Proven experience in maintaining accurate financial records, conducting reconciliations, and supporting budget monitoring.
•     Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
•     Working knowledge of corporate ERP systems and strong proficiency in MS Office applications
•     Experience supporting LOAs, service follow-up, procurement processes, and payment documentation in coordination with technical and finance teams.
•     Skilled in coordinating travel arrangements, workshops, meetings, and event logistics, including correspondence and administrative support.
•     Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems (e.g., GRMS).
•     Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multicultural team environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION