Office Assistant

Perform a variety of routine administrative transactions and office support functions.

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 3 months ago: Tuesday 24 Feb 2026 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Perform a variety of routine administrative transactions and office support functions.

You have:

  • Secondary School Education.
  • Two years of relevant experience in office support work.
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
  • Knowledge of MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
  • Basic knowledge of Protocol and its related administrative activities.
  • Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
  • Good knowledge of Italian, ability to draft correspondence.

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. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Governing Bodies Servicing (CSG) hosts the Secretariat of the Conference and the Council and supports the Secretariats of all other Governing and Statutory Bodies of FAO. It houses the Multilingualism expertise of the Organization, delivering corporate language goods and services. CSG also provides Protocol and Meetings services to the Organization and sustains liaison and communication with Members. The Protocol Services branch (CSGP) within the Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG), acts as liaison between the Organization, the Permanent Representations and the Host Government, and provides administrative services regarding entitlements (ID cards, VISAs, UNLPs), and Privileges and Immunities for staff and accredited Member Representations. It ensures that applicable Protocol is observed in relations with Members and the corporate activities of the Organization.

The position is located in The Protocol Services branch (CSGP) of the Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Main Purpose

The Office Assistant performs a variety of routine administrative transactions and office support functions contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the work unit.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Office Assistant reports to the Chief of the Protocol Services unit and receives guidance from a higher graded Office Assistant. He/she acts independently on routine matters and consults with his/her supervisor(s) on new and/or more complex issues and procedures. Supervision received provides for technical and procedural guidance and on-the-job learning.

Working Relationships

The Office Assistant interacts with a variety of colleagues from within the work unit. Interactions relate to the exchange of routine information and the provision of standard office support services.

Key Functions/Results

• Type, format and draft routine correspondence; collate tables, reports, presentations, publications and other documentation. • Receive and direct telephone calls and visitors; screen and send e-mails; respond to routine internal and external enquiries and/or refer to appropriate contacts/units. • Enter, retrieve, structure and update selected information and data from various sources (e.g. Intra-/Internet, office files, etc.); present results in standard format. • Set up and maintain office files and reference systems according to standard procedures, including an e-book for signatures. • Initiate, view and track a variety of administrative transactions in the computerized financial, travel, human resources systems. • Support the organization and administration of meetings, workshops and events (e.g. arranging for meeting rooms and other facilities). • Assist with arranging for travels: organize transport, logistics, accommodation, documents. • Ensure availability of office supplies and appropriate maintenance of office equipment. • Perform other duties as required.

Impact Of Work

The Office Assistant participates as part of a team in the provision of administrative and office support services. Actions reflect on the immediate and wider work unit.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education. Experience: Two years of relevant experience in office support work. Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. IT Skills: Knowledge of 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

• Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards. • Good knowledge of corporate computerized financial, travel, human resources systems and administrative procedures and policies. • Good knowledge of the organizational structure.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

• Basic knowledge of Protocol and its related administrative activities. • Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). • Good knowledge of Italian, ability to draft correspondence. • Ability to develop and maintain plans for key administrative processes (human resources, travel and procurement).

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with office support tasks? This question assesses the candidate's relevant experience in administrative roles. Discuss specific tasks you have managed, highlighting areas such as correspondence handling and file management.
How do you prioritize tasks when handling multiple requests in a busy office? The interviewer is interested in your organizational skills and ability to handle pressure. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to communicate important information to a team. How did you ensure clarity? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to maintain accurate office records and files? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain how you would handle a difficult customer or colleague while maintaining professionalism. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure that office supplies are always stocked and available? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever participated in organizing meetings or events? What was your role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role do you believe an Office Assistant plays in the overall success of a team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 3 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: fao.org