The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Regional Programme Leader (RPL), offices and divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.
The position is located in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.
Main Purpose
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 (FAOR Network) works under the general supervision of the Programme Officer, FAOR Network 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 office and with client divisions/offices, ensuring the consistency and quality of programme/project support services provided by the office.
The Programme Assistant will provide support to the management of the Country Offices network, in particular to budget management through the coordination with Country Offices, Regional Offices and headquarters.
Key Functions/Results
Monitor both Regular Programme and Project 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 project 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 Programme Assistants (G-4 level) and other staff in the work unit;
Review and make recommendations to improve current programme/project administration procedures and processes;
Perform other functions as required.
Impact Of Work
The incumbent's work impacts directly on the smooth operations and performance of the division's programme/project activities. He/she plays a lead role in the provision of programme support services for successful achievement of the organizational unit's mandate.
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.
IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
