Programme Associate, Rome

Organizational SettingFAO'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 **** 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.The position is located in the Office of Chief Economist (DDCE) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.Main PurposeThe Programme Associate plays a lead role in the coordination of programme/projects support services for the office. He/she performs a broad range of programme, planning and budgeting activities requiring in-depth analysis and interpretation of relevant policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in the office or location.Supervision Received/ExercisedThe Programme Associate reports to the Chief Economist. Work is performed autonomously, showing a high degree of initiative and independent judgment. Supervision received is focused on facilitating service delivery. The incumbent provides guidance and training to programme support staff in the officeWorking RelationshipsThe Programme Associate maintains a wide range of contacts with managers, staff and stakeholders inside and outside the office. The incumbent collaborates closely with colleagues in other offices and the corporate services, ensuring the quality and consistency of programme/projects support services.Key Functions/Results• Coordinate the preparation, submission, revision and follow-up of Divisional/Office/Centre budget, as well as the monitoring and provision of information on its implementation.• Coordinate, review and analyse the Periodic Budgetary Reports as needed.• Assemble and synthesize data from corporate and office databases to facilitate the analysis of programmes, projects or activities and to draft periodic or ad hoc management reports.• Monitor projects and ensure the maintenance and retrieval of programming reference material, documentation, data and information.• Consolidate and monitor various reports on human resources planning and expenditures, the use of non-staff resources, communication and publishing plans, IT plans and travel schedules.• Screen incoming correspondence to identify issues requiring further attention and draft related correspondence.• Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing across the Division/Office/Centre through training of staff and briefing of budget holders on administrative/budgetary/planning/programming/financial procedures and processes.• Review current processes and make recommendations to improve programme/projects administration procedures.• Perform other functions as required.Impact Of WorkThe incumbent's work impacts directly on the smooth and efficient operations of the programme/project activities of the office. He/she plays a lead role in the coordination and provision of the programme support services for the successful achievement of the office's mandate. He/she plays a proactive role in the successful achievement of the office's mandate.CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum RequirementsEducation: Secondary School Education.Experience: Five years of experience in administrative/financial/planning/programming/budgeting activities.Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency- level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other working languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).IT Skills: Good knowledge of MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building effective relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical Skills• Thorough knowledge of corporate information systems.• Thorough knowledge of programme and budget processes and procedures.• Thorough knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations.• Thorough knowledge of procurement processes and procedures, including LOAs.• Thorough knowledge of communication and documentation standardsDesirable Qualifications And Skills• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Spanish and or French.• Familiarity and experience in development, and operation of business intelligent platforms to support financial and data-driven decision-making.• Knowledge of project cycle and experience in project implementation