Programme Assistant

Organizational Setting

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 the centres, offices and divisions 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 Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD) team in RAP in Bangkok, Thailand. ECTAD RAP is dedicated to working with the governments in the region in preventing and controlling emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases working closely with national stakeholders in the animal production and health sector.

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 directly to the Liaison and Operations Officer and receives guidance from the Regional Programming and Operations Coordinator. 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 proofread 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 (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 • Team Work • 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.