Programme Assistant
Organizational Context
The FAO Investment Centre (CFI) is dedicated to providing investment and finance solutions that foster more efficient, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems globally. Operating in over 120 countries, CFI offers comprehensive investment and finance support to FAO Members. The Centre collaborates with governments, financing institutions, the private sector, farmers, and research bodies to enhance the quality and volume of agrifood investments. Its core activities encompass strategic investment planning, policy support, public and private investment initiatives, and innovative finance.
Job Purpose
The Programme Assistant will perform a variety of routine administrative and financial tasks to support the effective delivery of the organizational unit's programmes and projects. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities within the FAO Investment Centre. The incumbent will assist in data compilation for reporting, manage administrative and financial actions, and support procurement processes. Additionally, the role involves providing information on project expenditures and budget status, processing and proofreading documents, and coordinating meeting arrangements. The Programme Assistant will act as a key point of contact for routine inquiries, ensuring timely and efficient support to the team and contributing to the overall success of the unit's objectives.
Responsibilities
Collect and compile data on programme and project activities to support reporting and delivery. Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions, including staff management, affiliate workforce support, travel arrangements, and payments. Review and prepare routine documentation and correspondence related to assigned procurement actions. Provide information on programme and project expenditures and budget status. Process, format, and proof-read reports, documents, publications, and correspondence from draft texts. Review and direct correspondence, calls, and queries to appropriate contacts, providing necessary background information and responding to routine inquiries. Make arrangements for meetings, seminars, and events, including logistics, correspondence, document compilation, and distribution. Perform other duties as required to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of the immediate work unit's programme.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in financial and/or administrative support work. Experience in supporting budget monitoring and reporting is desirable. Familiarity with corporate procedures, journal vouchers, accounting adjustments, and Letters of Agreements (LoAs) is also beneficial.
Skills
Essential skills include a good knowledge of corporate information systems, common administrative and financial rules and regulations, and communication and documentation standards. Desirable skills encompass knowledge of corporate financial rules for general and trust funds, experience in budget monitoring and reporting, and familiarity with corporate procedures for staff and affiliate workforce management, journal vouchers, accounting adjustments, and Letters of Agreements (LoAs).