Programme Assistant (the EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme)

Organizational Setting

The Forestry Division (NFO) leads FAO's work in promoting sustainable forest management and providing leadership on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of forestry, including its contributions to poverty reduction and food security and nutrition. It liaises with Members, civil society and the private sector in aspects ranging from development of effective forest policies to forest conservation and management issues, and strengthens the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Division also collects analyses and disseminates information on the world's forest resources and on the production trade and consumption of wood and non-wood forest products.

The EU Forest Governance and Value Chains Programme (FGVP) implemented by NFO supports the implementation of Forest Partnerships between the European Union and Partner Countries. Forest Partnerships are a new and key instrument of the European Union's Action to promote sustainable forest management and value chains. They are based on a holistic and integrated approach to forests, reflecting a high-level commitment to enhancing the role of forests in sustainable and inclusive national development whilst improving sector law enforcement, governance and trade. Forest Partnerships promote innovative investment and finance models to create efficient, pragmatic and impactful links between government, industry and forest communities. The FGVP support to Forest Partnerships revolves around two pillars:

1. improving governance for sustainable forest management, forest protection and restoration, and plantation development; and 2. developing legal and sustainable forest-based value chains.

The post is located in the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Support Team of the Forestry Division (NFO) and based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Main Purpose

The Programme Assistant (FGVP) 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 (FGVP) reports to the the Forestry Officer/FGVP Manager. Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director, NFO, he/she works in close coordination with teams within NFO and other relevant FAO units and personnel. 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 and or project activities to support reporting and delivery. • Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to staff management, affiliate workforce support, travel, payments, etc. • Review and prepare routine documentation and correspondence related to assigned procurement actions • Provide information on programme and/or project expenditures and status of programme and /or 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. • 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. • Ability to use accounting software and other information systems and databases to insert data, make enquiries, retrieve/define ad hoc reports and analyses and edit results in appropriate format. • Office management skills: systematic, well-structured and efficient approach to work assignments. Analytical ability, accuracy and consistency. • Exercise diligence and care in dealing with records and expenditures.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French or Spanish. • Knowledge of the organizational structure.