Programme Assistant

Programme AssistantJoin to apply for the Programme Assistant role at FAO. FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Member states and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values. FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. Main PurposeThe Programme Assistant is responsible for the coordination of specialized and complex processes and activities in support of the delivery of the division's work programme, planning and budgeting activities. He/she provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in the division. SupervisionThe Programme Assistant works under the general supervision of the Policy Officer (MAFAP) and receives guidance from the Officer in charge of the MAFAP programme. The incumbent operates independently and takes decisions on work priorities. Supervision received is focused on the quality of work outputs. He/She provides guidance and advice to other programme support staff. Working RelationshipsThe Programme Assistant works closely with a wide range of colleagues in the division and with client departments/offices, ensuring the consistency and quality of programme/project support services provided by the division. Key FunctionsMonitor both Regular Programme and Projects budgets ensuring that funds are properly allocated and reported upon and take corrective action if required; inform management of any budget issues that may require attention. Provide support to budget holders in the preparation of the Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR), the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and related work plans for the division. Prepare projects' budget revisions in consultation with budget holders. Respond to a variety of routine queries and provide clarifications on programme and project matters; inform management and team members of processes, procedures and timeframes to secure administrative services needed for programme/project execution; initiate correspondence to verify data, obtain additional information on transactions and budgetary matters. Review data quality and maintain office records and reference files on various subjects; compile and synthesize data from various sources to support financial analyses on programme/project activities; generate periodic or ad‑hoc management reports. Coordinate the full array of administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non‑staff support, travel, payments and procurement. Provide procedural guidance to Programme Assistants (G‑4 level) and other staff in the work unit. Review and make recommendations to improve current programme/projects administration procedures and processes. Perform other functions as required. Impact Of WorkThe incumbent's work impacts directly on the smooth operations and performance of the division's programme/project activities. He/she plays a lead role in the provision of programme support services for successful achievement of the organisational unit's mandate. Minimum RequirementsEducation: Secondary School Education. Experience: Four years of relevant experience in the provision of programme/projects support services. Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English. IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment. Residency: 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 application. CompetenciesResults Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical SkillsVery good knowledge of corporate information systems. Very good knowledge of programme and budget processes and procedures. Very good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations. Very good knowledge of communication and documentation standards. Desirable Qualifications And SkillsKnowledge of and experience with trust funded project activities. Ability to plan, organise work and establish priorities autonomously. Capacity to provide guidance to team members on administration matters. Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of French. Familiarity with procurement mechanism, in particular Letter of Agreement. Familiarity with and adaptability to fast‑paced working environments. Job DetailsJob Posting: 22/Dec/2025 Closure Date: 07/Jan/2026, 5:59:00 PM Organizational Unit: ESA Job Type: Staff position Type of Requisition: General Service Grade Level: G-5 Primary Location: Italy-Rome Duration: Fixed‑term: one year with possibility of extension Post Number: CCOG Code: 2102b Seniority levelMid‑Senior level Employment typeFull‑time Job functionAdministrative IndustriesNon‑profit Organizations ReferralsReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at FAO by 2x#J-18808-Ljbffr