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Programme Assistant

Accra

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Accra
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Administrative support
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: 2025-02-07

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

  • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
  • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
  • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
  • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
  • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
  • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting 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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country -level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices\:
(i)advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii)provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
(iv)position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v)ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
FAO is implementing two projects in Ghana\: FVC/GLO/225/MUL ‘Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods – Phase 2’ and GCP/GLO/1301/SWE ‘Enhancing equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable small-scale fisheries through the SSF Guidelines implementation’. The first aims to improve post-harvest practices in small-scale fisheries and empower women's organizations for better livelihoods. The second focuses on strengthening community resilience, promoting biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation with a human rights-based approach, emphasizing equity and gender equality. These projects align with FAO’s Programme Priority Areas BP2 ‘Blue Transformation’ and BP4 ‘Small-scale producer’s equitable access to resources’ and contribute to SDGs 2.3, 5.5, 14.2, 14.b, 13.b, and 15.9.
Reporting Lines
The Programme Assistant will report to the FAO Representative in Ghana, and the technical supervision of the National Project Coordinator, as well as to the project management team in HQ, which is hosted in the NFIFL (Equitable Livelihoods Team) of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of FAO.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will provide comprehensive administrative and operational support for project activities, including contract management, procurement, capacity development, and logistics. Assist with stakeholder engagement, travel arrangements, and database management
Tasks and responsibilities
•The position is located in the FAO Country Office of Ghana. Under the supervision of the FAO representative to Ghana and the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officers of the projects GCP/GLO/1301/SWE (FAO HQ) and FVC/GLO/225/MUL (FAO HQ), the Programme Assistant will have the following key responsibilities\:
•Provide support to ensure the effective implementation of the SSF related Projects
•Provide administrative and operational support for the implementation of the project activities
•Initiate and monitor the implementation of contracts to be signed with Service Providers under the projects, according to FAO standards and approbation process.
•Initiate and monitor the procurement of items for the implementation of the project activities, according to FAO standards and approbation process.
•Provide administrative and logistics support for capacity development activities under the project
•Provide operational support for the organization of stakeholders’ meetings
•Prepare travel requests, in accordance with FAO Standards and Procedures, aiming at the execution of project activities.
•Compile and manage a database for stakeholders and beneficiaries of the projects activities
•Participate in monthly project progress meeting
•Assist in the preparation of technical documents, including but not limited to; project terminal reports, project progress reports, quarterly project implementation reports, letters of agreement and speeches.
•Assist in the review of project reports submitted by implementing partners and consultants.
•Perform any other duties as may be required
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
•University Degree in Management, Operations, Administration, Finance or a Social Science discipline in a field related to the work under this assignment and FAO’s program activities.
•At least five (5) years of relevant experience in operations, management, administration and/or finance.
•Working knowledge of English and good knowledge of the local language (s) used at the duty station.
•National of Ghana
FAO Core Competencies
•Results Focus
•Teamwork
•Communication
•Building Effective Relationships
•Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
•Work experience in more than one location or area of administrative work, preferably in an international organization setting.
•Proficiency in digital tools and software for administrative tasks is essential.
•Extent and relevance of experience in document processing systems and administrative procedures, with a focus on maintaining accurate and timely information flow.
•Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating logistical and procurement processes for workshops, training, and events, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
•Familiarity with FAO rules, regulations, and procedures related to administrative and financial management, including procurement, travel, and asset management.
Selection Criteria
•UN experience is an advantage
•Computer literacy, accurate attention to detail
•Work experience in supporting the implementation of projects
•Organisational and administration skills
•Ability to work as part of a team

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
  • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
  • For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.