Field Programme Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

FAO Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia (SEC) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing strategies for addressing food security, agriculture and rural development priorities in the sub-region; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Organization’s technical assistance includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among countries facing the challenges of transition.

The Field Programme Assistant will be assigned in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan and performs a wide range of routine operational, administrative, and financial functions in support of the formulation, delivery, monitoring and reporting of the Organization’s field programme and projects being developed and implemented in the sub-region, throughout the Project Cycle.

Reporting Lines

The Field Programme Assistant will report to Team Leader of SEC Field Programme Unit (FPU), who is based in Ankara, Turkey and and receive day-to-day guidance from the supervisor as well as FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Kazakhstan.

Technical Focus

Ensure the smooth and efficient operations of the field programme/project activities under sub-regional and country projects. He/she acts independently in routine matters and interacts with a wide variety of colleagues within the organization providing routine operational support, including related administrative and financial services.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Field Programme Assistant will perform the following tasks;

FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Kazakhstan

• Support the FAO Kazakhstan office in following up with UNDP for the timely release of payments and disbursing office/projects expenditures in line with ASRs (Agency Service Requests) issued by FAO HQ/REU/SEC;
• Ensure all plans (travel, work & procurement plans) within FAO Kazakhstan office are reviewed on a quarterly basis and continuously updated in line with the organization rules and procedures;
• Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to field programme/project staff/NHSR recruitment, management and support; travel; payments and procurement from regular budget;
• Review and direct correspondence, calls and queries to appropriate contacts; provide background information; respond to routine enquiries;
• Perform other duties as required.

SEC Field Programme Unit

• In line with the revised Project Cycle, help ensure data concerning the office’s field programme portfolio is up-to-date in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS), with relevant project documentation uploaded as appropriate;
• Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to field programme/project staff/NHSR recruitment, management and support; travel; payments; and procurement;
• Make arrangements for field programme-related meetings, seminars and events: implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, and prepare minutes;
• Process, format and proof-read project/programme reports, documents, publications and correspondence from draft texts, related to the field programme;
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in business administration, finance, public administration, or discipline relevant to the mandate of the organization preferred.
• Three years of experience in relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Russian. Working knowledge of Turkish is a plus.
• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment
• National of Kazakhstan or resident in the country with a regular residence/work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• High degree of initiative and willingness to provide support to the international and national staff involved in the projects
• Logical thinking and sound judgment
• Attention to details and sense of urgency
• Excellent communication skills and ability to explain procedures clearly (in speaking and writing)
• Proficiency of standard IT technology and equipment
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience in financial and/or administrative support work.
• Work experience within the United Nations system is considered as an asset, but not mandatory