Programme Assistant
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to defeating hunger and achieving food security globally. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and support for agrifood systems transformation. They work in alignment with national frameworks and UN cooperation strategies, ensuring accountability and efficient operations to deliver core services and strengthen impact at the country level.
Job Purpose
The Programme Assistant provides essential technical and operational support for the effective implementation of projects within the FAO Representation in Nepal. This role involves preparing critical programme documents and reports, meticulously compiling and analyzing data from corporate systems, and maintaining accurate project documentation and filing. The assistant will actively support monitoring activities, coordinate logistical arrangements for meetings and missions, manage official correspondence, and assist in the preparation of background materials, all contributing to the smooth and efficient delivery of programme operations.
Responsibilities
The Programme Assistant will be responsible for assisting in the preparation of project proposals, briefs, progress reports, and background papers. This includes collecting and compiling data to support reporting on project delivery, and processing, formatting, and proof-reading various documents and correspondence. The role involves reviewing and directing incoming communications, responding to routine inquiries, and providing background information. Additionally, the assistant will support the organization of policy dialogues, workshops, and consultation meetings, as well as prepare for project reviews and field missions. Key tasks include making logistical arrangements for events, preparing meeting minutes, and managing administrative aspects. Data entry, selection, analysis, and summarization from FAO corporate systems are crucial for supporting programme operations. Maintaining accurate records, participating in project monitoring by tracking status, inputs, expenditures, and timeframes, and assisting in the preparation of periodic and ad hoc reports are also vital responsibilities. The role requires preparing background materials for briefings and meetings, and maintaining a comprehensive filing system for all technical and project-related documents.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required, specifically in supporting programme and project operations. Experience gained within UN agencies, international or national NGOs, or donor-funded government projects is highly preferred. This experience should be post-Bachelor's degree.
Skills
Proficiency in drafting, formatting, and proof-reading programme documents and reports is essential. The role requires strong skills in data collection, entry, and basic analysis using corporate systems. Experience in supporting meetings, workshops, and field missions is necessary. Excellent administrative skills, including meticulous filing, record-keeping, and the use of monitoring tools, are vital. Candidates must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks, with the ability to work effectively within teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Good communication skills are needed for handling queries, correspondence, and coordination. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities are required, along with effective writing and presentation skills in both English and Nepali. The capacity to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team environment is also important.