The Programme Assistant is responsible for the coordination of specialized and complex processes and activities in support of the delivery of the division's work programme, planning and budgeting activities. He/she provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in the division.
Supervision Received/Exercised:
The Programme Assistant works under the general supervision of the Senior Economist (Project Manager, MAFAP) and receives guidance from the Senior Programme Assistant.
The incumbent operates independently and takes decisions on work priorities. Supervision received is focused on the quality of work outputs. He/ she provides guidance and advice to other programme support staff.
Working Relationships:
The Programme Assistant works closely with a wide range of colleagues in the division and with client divisions/offices, ensuring the consistency and quality of programme/project support services provided by the division.
Key Functions/Results:
Monitor both Regular Programme and Projects budgets ensuring that funds are properly allocated and reported upon and take corrective action if required; inform management of any budget issues that may require attention;
Provide support to budget holders in the preparation of the Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR), the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and related work plans for the division;
Prepare projects' budget revisions in consultation with budget holders;
Respond to a variety of routine queries and provide clarifications on programme and project matters; inform management and team members of processes, procedures and timeframes to secure administrative services needed for programme/project execution; initiate correspondence to verify data, obtain additional information on transactions and budgetary matters;
Review data quality and maintain office records and reference files on various subjects; compile and synthesize data from various sources to support financial analyses on programme/project activities; generate periodic or ad-hoc management reports;
Coordinate the full array of administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement;
Provide procedural guidance to Office Assistants (G-4 level) and other staff in the work unit;
Review and make recommendations to improve current programme/projects administration procedures and processes;
Perform other functions as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:
Education:
Secondary School Education.
Experience:
Four years of relevant experience in the provision of programme/projects support services.
Languages:
Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
IT Skills:
Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
