Field Programme Assistant

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. The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Centres/Divisions/Offices at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development' and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

The post is located in the Country Support and Field Programme (CFP) Stream of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Main Purpose

The Field Programme Assistant plays a lead role in the coordination of field programme, project activities and support services for the office. He/she performs a broad range of field programme, planning and budgeting activities requiring in-depth analysis and interpretation of relevant policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural advice to managers and staff in the office.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Field Programme Assistant reports to the Senior Field Programme Officer (SFPO) and supports other professional staff or Budget Holders in CFP. Work is performed autonomously, showing a high degree of initiative and independent judgment. Supervision received is focused on facilitating service delivery. The incumbent provides guidance and training to field programme support staff in the office.

Working Relationships

The Field Programme Assistant maintains a wide range of contacts with managers, staff and stakeholders inside and outside the office. The incumbent collaborates closely with colleagues in the subregional and regional offices and relevant headquarters units, ensuring the quality and consistency of programme and project support services.

Key Functions/Results

• Provide information and operational support for project formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting, in line with the revised Project Cycle; • Contribute to the formulation and preparation of programme, project and work plan proposals for the country; participate in the preparation of draft field project documents; • Participate in the monitoring and review of project implementation to ensure all operational activities are in line with the work plan and the project document; review inputs, expenditures and time frames; take corrective action if required, in consultation with the appropriate officer (i.e. Programme Officer, Assistant FAO Representative or Budget Holder);Initiate or take follow-up action for a broad variety of operational and administrative actions necessary for the implementation of projects, such as government clearances, requests for personnel action, letters of introduction / instruction, briefing schedules, procurement of equipment, to ensure they are dealt with in a timely manner; • 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; assemble and synthesize data from corporate data bases and systems to facilitate the analysis of field programmes, projects or activities, and to draft periodic or ad hoc reports; • Provide training to field project support staff in the use of corporate systems and tools relevant to managing the field programme, i.e. FPMIS and its monitoring and budgeting tools, Global Resource Management System (GRMS), etc.; • Participate in the recording and processing of requests for FAO's support received from Government, donors or other organizations; • Screen incoming correspondence to identify issues requiring further attention and draft related correspondence; • Accompany field visits to project sites and/or accompany project managers and/or experts in their meetings with donors and government officials, as requested; • Review current processes and make recommendations to improve the operational procedures related to field programmes/projects; • Perform other functions as required.

Impact of Work

The incumbent's work impacts directly on the smooth and efficient operations of the field programme/project activities entrusted to the office. He/she plays a lead role in the coordination and provision of the operational programme support services for the successful achievement of the Office's mandate.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education. Experience: Four years of experience in administrative/financial/planning/programming/ budgeting activities for regular programme and/or projects. Languages: Working knowledge (proficient – 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

• Thorough knowledge of corporate information systems, especially as related to project information. • Thorough knowledge of programme and budget processes and procedures. • Thorough knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations. • Thorough knowledge of communication and documentation standards.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Good knowledge of project cycle principles and rules.