Programme Assistant

Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The post is located in the Programme and Budget Support Unit, Office of the Deputy Director-General,in Rome, Italy.

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 Programme Support Officer and receives guidance from higher graded Programme Assistants.

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 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 (proficiency - 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
• 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.
• Familiarity with Project Cycle procedures.
• Knowledge of HR and NSHR administrative processes.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

• Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive matters.

Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement
Job Posting
03/Dec/2025

Closure Date
17/Dec/2025, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit
DDSB

Job Type
Staff position

Type of Requisition
General Service

Grade Level
G-4

Primary Location
Italy-Rome

Duration
Fixed term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number
2008033

CCOG Code
2102b

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
Staff in the General Service category are recruited locally from the Primary Location area, which is where the office is located.

• 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 Members 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.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for
better production
,
better nutrition
,
a better environment,
and
a better life
, leaving no one behind.