The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is looking for an Administrative Assistant. Take the first step and apply now

May 12, 2024Last Updated: May 12, 2024

6 minutes read

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is looking for an Administrative Assistant. Take the first step and apply now

Background

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to “let there be bread”. It was founded on 16 October 1945

About FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger, improve agricultural productivity, promote rural development, and ensure sustainable food systems. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, bringing together governments, organizations, and communities to address food and nutrition challenges.

Mission:
FAO’s mission is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives. The organization strives to eliminate hunger, malnutrition, and poverty by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving agricultural productivity, enhancing the resilience of rural communities, and facilitating inclusive and efficient food systems.

Key Areas of Work:

Food Security: FAO works to improve access to nutritious food and promote sustainable agriculture to ensure food security for all.
Agriculture and Rural Development: FAO supports smallholder farmers, promotes sustainable farming practices, and helps rural communities develop their agricultural potential.
Sustainable Natural Resource Management: FAO promotes the sustainable management of land, water, forests, and fisheries to safeguard ecosystems and enhance resilience.
Climate Change and Resilience: FAO assists countries in adapting to climate change, mitigating its impacts, and building resilience in agricultural and food systems.
Nutrition and Food Systems: FAO advocates for healthy diets, nutrition education, and sustainable food systems that prioritize nutrition and well-being.
Policy and Governance: FAO provides policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development to member countries to improve agricultural policies and governance.

Activities and Initiatives:
FAO implements a wide range of activities and initiatives, including research and analysis, knowledge sharing, capacity building, technical assistance, and policy support. It collaborates with governments, civil society organizations, research institutions, and the private sector to address food and agriculture challenges at global, regional, and national levels. FAO also leads important global initiatives such as the World Food Day and the International Year of…

FAO’s work spans various sectors, including crop production, livestock, fisheries, forestry, land management, and food safety. The organization provides expertise in areas such as agricultural development, food systems planning, rural poverty reduction, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fisheries management, and emergency response to food crises.

Overall, FAO plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture, combating hunger and malnutrition, and supporting the development of resilient and inclusive food systems to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and sustainable agriculture.

Why work at FAO

Working at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for several reasons:

Meaningful Impact: FAO’s mission is to eradicate hunger, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure food security for all. By working at FAO, you have the opportunity to contribute to this important global cause and make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.
Global Reach: FAO operates in over 130 countries, providing a unique opportunity to work in an international and multicultural environment. You will collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and expertise, enriching your professional and personal growth.
Interdisciplinary Approach: FAO’s work spans across various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and rural development. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities in the food and agriculture sector.
Professional Development: FAO emphasizes continuous learning and professional development. The organization offers various training programs, workshops, and opportunities for skill enhancement, allowing you to expand your knowledge, expertise, and professional network.
Collaboration and Partnership: FAO collaborates closely with governments, NGOs, research institutions, and other international organizations. Working at FAO provides opportunities to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and build partnerships to address global food security and sustainable agriculture challenges collectively.
Innovation and Research: FAO encourages innovation and research to find sustainable solutions for global food and agriculture issues. If you have a passion for innovation, technology, and research, FAO offers a platform to explore and apply innovative approaches to agricultural practices, food systems, and policy development.
Work-Life Balance: FAO promotes a healthy work-life balance and strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment. The organization values the well-being of its staff and offers flexible work arrangements, family-friendly policies, and comprehensive benefits packages.
International Exposure: Working at FAO provides exposure to international conferences, events, and high-level meetings. You may have the opportunity to represent FAO at global forums, engage with policymakers, and contribute to shaping international agendas related to food security and sustainable agriculture.
Career Opportunities: FAO offers a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, including agriculture, economics, policy, environmental sciences, nutrition, and more. It provides a platform for long-term career growth, professional advancement, and mobility within the organization.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: FAO is committed to promoting diversity, gender equality, and inclusion in its workforce. It values different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Overall, working at FAO allows you to be part of a global organization dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development. It offers a platform to contribute your skills, knowledge, and passion towards building a world free from hunger and poverty.

Details to the post

Administrative Assistant

Job Posting: 10/May/2024
Closure Date: 24/May/2024, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: FEUKR
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Ukraine-Odesa
Duration: 12 months with possible extension (3 months of probation

Tasks and responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day administrative and logistical tasks of the Field Office and collaborate with the Project team to assist them to carry out their duties to efficiently implement the Project activities.
• Ensure management of FAO Project vehicles through the inspection of physical condition, maintenance and verification of vehicle logbook and adherence of safety and security measures and protocols of FAO and UNDSS.
• Review and keep up-to-date necessary vehicle operations documents such as registration card, insurance card and other requirements as per FAO procedures and the requirements of the Government.
• Provide necessary supports to the personnel and consultants of FAO to undertake field missions such as obtaining security clearance, travel authorization, travel expense claim, vehicle allocation etc.)
• Maintain office files, records, reports and other informational sources in accordance with accepted rules and policies.
• Management and report on the petty cash of the Field Office, procurement of office supplies and other services, as needed.
• Maintain, up-to-date and report on the asset registers for expendable and non-expendable items of the Field Office, participate in inventory exercise for the Field Office.
• Provide interpretation during meetings and field visits, translate relevant document, if needed.
• Process incoming and draft outgoing correspondence, e-mails, meeting minutes etc.
• Make arrangements for meetings, presentations, seminars, trainings, workshops and other outreach events.
• Maintain contacts with the stakeholders of the Project.
• Keep abreast on the development of local situation and inform the Head of Field Office.
• Undertake operational functions relating project implementation, including but not limited to: support project planning tasks, preparation of routine documentation and work related to requisition of goods, collating documents to assist procurement-related activities, logistics and collection of documentation required.
• Take actions connected with logistics and delivery; prepare acceptance documentation/donation letters.
• Support project managers and the Head of Odesa office to prepare dossiers for LoA, procurement of goods and other administrative and operational activities/services.
• Carry out other relevant tasks as and when requested by the Supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Social sciences, etc.
• Three years of relevant experience in administrative and office management experience.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and working knowledge of Ukrainian.
• Nationality of Ukraine.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Able to work with minimum guidance, well organized, attentive and pro-active.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Ukrainian, ability to write and speak in a clear manner and adjust language and style depending on the audience.
• Good knowledge of MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
• Ability to use information systems and databases to insert data, make enquiries, retrieve/define ad hoc reports and analyses and edit results in an appropriate format.
• Willing to learn and look for efficient solutions to everyday tasks.
• Team player with strong sense of responsibility.