Programme Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for RNE 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 departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RNE 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. RNE 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.

Main Purpose

The Programme Assistant performs a wide range of routine administrative and financial functions in support of the delivery of the organizational unit's programme and projects.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Programme Assistant reports to the Senior Field Programme Officer and receives guidance from the Programme Officer and Field Programme Monitoring and Support Officer He/she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.

Working Relationships

The Programme Assistant interacts with a wide variety of colleagues within the work unit and with immediate clients within the Organization, providing routine administrative and financial services.

Key Functions/Results

• Collect and compile data on programme/ project activities to support reporting on programme/ project delivery;
• Provide information on programme/ project expenditures and status of programme/ project budget;
• Process, format and proof-read reports, documents, publications and correspondence related to the work of the unit from draft texts;
• Review and direct correspondence, calls and queries to appropriate contacts; provide for background information; respond to routine enquiries;
• Make arrangements for meetings, seminars and events: implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make administrative arrangements;
• Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement;
• Perform other duties as required.

Impact Of Work

The incumbent's work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of the immediate work unit's programme.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education

Experience: Three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work

Languages: Working knowledge (Level C) of English and either Arabic or French

IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment

Competencies

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

Technical Skills

• Good knowledge of corporate information systems
• Good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations
• Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in supporting senior staff in collecting and compiling analysis of quantitative and qualitative project information and preparing related periodic reports.
• Experience in supporting monitoring, evaluation and reporting-related activities

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a technical / competency-based interview.