National Project Personnel - Program Assistant

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 Sanaa, 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 Yemen Representative (FAOR) and the Head of Programme, and the direct supervision and technical guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor of Water and Natural Resources Management sector.

Technical Focus

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

Tasks and responsibilities

The Program Assistant will work in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other program teams for the effective achievement of team results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/program-related issues and information delivery. S/he will exercise full compliance with FAO programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

More specifically, the incumbent will:

• Support the development of working documents and monitoring of implemented activities of assigned programmes and projects and assist in providing programmatic and/or administrative support whenever required;
• Within the framework of programme/project implementation, assist in identifying programmatic/administrative/operational issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions, liaises with relevant parties, and tracks follow-up actions;
• Assist the programme team in the preparation and implementation of various programme documents, more specifically by providing/gathering inputs for the drafting of work-plans, budgets, reports, presentations and proposals on programme implementation arrangements.
• Identify sources and gather and compile data and information for the preparation of documents, guidelines, and other material as required;
• Assist the programme team in reviewing and preparing documentation on the procurement of goods and services, and support contract tracking;
• Assist all program counterparts on applicable administrative procedures and ensures to provide suitable advices for proper implementation;
• Assist the program team in providing guidance to the country and project offices on routine implementation of the project, tracking use of financial resources in close coordination with Operations Unit;
• Provide administrative/logistical support to the programme team in the organization of events, meetings and workshops, etc. including preparing agendas, writing meeting minutes and making travel arrangements for the programme team and project staff (both internal and external), from preparation of travel requisitions to preparation of claims;
• Collect, register and maintain all information on program activities and maintain program correspondence and communication;
• Maintain and organize up-to-date hard and electronic files for easy access and retrieval, ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials. More specifically, create and maintain files of correspondence/documents and electronically-received information, and ensure up-to- date filing. Maintain both hardcopies and electronic copies of the office records and reference files on various subjects.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in economics, development studies, political science, social science, international relations, 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

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.