Programme Associate

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application interview processing).

FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited / recognized in the WHED database. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to extension of appointments.

Appointment is subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit and satisfies residency/visa and security clearances.

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.

No international benefits will be payable as selected candidates are recruited locally and paid in the local currency of the office location.

Organizational Setting

FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) conducts economic research and policy analysis to support 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 Division also leads the production of two FAO flagship publications and provides core technical support for FAOs Roadmap on achieving SDG2. The post is located in the Front Office of the ESA at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Main Purpose

The Programme Associate plays a lead role in coordination of programme/project 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.

Working Relationships

The 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 corporate services.

Key Functions / Results

• Coordinate preparation, submission, revision and follow‑up of Divisional / Office / Centre budget and monitor implementation.
• Review and analyse Periodic Budgetary Reports as needed.
• Assemble and synthesize data from corporate and office databases to facilitate analysis of programmes, projects and activities and draft periodic or ad‑hoc management reports.
• Monitor projects and ensure maintenance and retrieval of programming reference material, documentation, data and information.
• Consolidate and monitor reports on human resources planning and expenditures, 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 sharing across the Divisions / 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 Work

The incumbent’s work impacts directly on the smooth and efficient operations of the programme/project activities of the office. He/She plays a proactive lead role in the coordination and provision of programme support services for the successful achievement of the office’s mandate.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Secondary School Education.
• Experience: Five years of experience in administrative, financial, planning, programming and budgeting activities.
• Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (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.
• Residency: Nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit and reside within commuting distance of the duty station.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

• Understanding of implications of different funding sources for project and budget management.
• Knowledge of processing secondment of staff members and funding changes for staff and non‑staff human resources.
• Experience with various types of accounting adjustments.
• Experience in key administrative processes (human resources, travel and procurement) and work planning and reporting.
• Experience in mentoring and training staff.

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Technical Skills: Thorough knowledge of corporate information systems, programme and budget processes, common administrative and financial rules, communication and documentation standards.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO, complete your online profile and submit your application with language certificates as attachments. Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations will be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

EEO Statement

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. FAO’s zero‑tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment and discrimination applies. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.