Programme Assistant

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives. The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes sustainable livestock development, offering scientific expertise, policy advice, and technical assistance. It also supports emergency responses, particularly in animal health. This position is within the Programme and Operations Hub of the NSA Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Job Purpose

The Programme Assistant will provide advanced administrative, financial, and programme support to the FAO One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW), directly contributing to the implementation of both Regular Programme and extra-budgetary trust fund projects. The role involves coordinating specialized and complex processes and activities to support the delivery of the Office's work programme, including planning and budgeting. The incumbent will offer procedural guidance to managers and staff within the Office, ensuring the smooth execution of programme and project activities and contributing to the achievement of the organizational unit's mandate.

Responsibilities

Monitor Regular Programme and Project budgets, ensuring proper fund allocation and reporting, and taking corrective action as needed. Inform management of any budget issues. Support budget holders in preparing Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR), the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB), and related work plans. Prepare project budget revisions in consultation with budget holders. Assist in the initiation, administration, and monitoring of Letters of Agreement throughout project implementation. Respond to routine queries on programme and project matters, clarifying processes and procedures. Initiate correspondence to verify data and obtain additional information on transactions and budgetary matters. Review data quality and maintain office records. Compile and synthesize data for financial analyses and generate management reports. Coordinate administrative and financial actions for staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement. Support the dissemination of project outputs and communication materials. Provide procedural guidance to junior staff and review/recommend improvements to administrative procedures.

Work Experience

Four years of relevant experience in providing programme and project support services is required. Experience in supporting project budget management, including revisions, funding changes, and accounting adjustments, is desirable. Experience in quality assurance of Letters of Agreement and processing Beneficiary Grants is also desirable.

Skills

Very good knowledge of corporate information systems, programme and budget processes, administrative and financial rules, and communication standards. Strong capacity for planning, prioritizing, and organizing work, managing deadlines, and ensuring workflow continuity. Very good knowledge of FAO corporate systems for financial monitoring and workflow management is desirable. Intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language, preferably French, is an asset.

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