Office Assistant

Provide office support services for a well-functioning working environment.

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 14 days ago: Friday 29 May 2026 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide office support services for a well-functioning working environment.

You have:

  • Completed High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience in office support, cleaning, or facility maintenance.
  • Working knowledge (level C) of English
  • National of South Africa or resident of the country with valid work permit.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including South Africa. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation into 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 main objective 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 develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors’ representatives and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) and in close coordination with the Administration and Operations Unit of FAO South Africa, under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative.

Technical Focus

Provision of efficient and reliable office support services to ensure a professional, safe and well-functioning working environment. The role focuses on maintaining office accessibility by keeping a record of all office door codes, supporting administrative and logistical tasks, managing office supplies and deliveries, and assisting in safety and security compliance within FAO Representation Country Office.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide general administrative tasks and clerical support (e.g., filing, photocopying, managing correspondence). • Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and events. • Maintain office supplies and inventory. • Accompany visiting internal and external stakeholders when they visit the UN House, as required. • Perform data entry and maintain records. • Assist with local travel arrangements and logistics. • Helping in the preparation and organization of office materials, office files, document archives (physical and electronic) • Register incoming and outgoing correspondence, parcels, official documents, and courier service. • Assist staff in retrieving administrative documents and records when required • Coordinate office support services for meetings, trainings, seminars, committees, and special projects and events;

Perform other duties as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Completed High school diploma or equivalent • At least 3 years of relevant experience in office support, cleaning, or facility maintenance. • Working knowledge (level C) of English • National of South Africa or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Basic understanding of workplace safety, hygiene, and administrative tasks. • Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions with minimal supervision. • Good communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff, visitors, and building management. • Ability to perform physical tasks (lifting, cleaning, running errands) as required

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with administrative tasks and support in previous roles? This question assesses your relevant experience and skills in administrative support. Outline specific administrative tasks you've performed and mention any software or tools used.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple assignments? The interviewer wants to understand your time management and organizational skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of a situation where you had to work as part of a team. How did you contribute? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to handle a challenging communication situation. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure accuracy in your record-keeping and data entry tasks? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps would you take to ensure a safe and clean office environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you assisted in organizing an event or meeting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach learning new organizational tools or software? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 28 days ago - Updated 14 days ago - Source: fao.org