Back SENIOR PROGRAMME ASSISTANT SC5

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO in Bangladesh has been implementing activities in close cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh since its establishment in 1978. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.  

The tasks envisaged for this consultancy are to be carried-out through the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), which is currently implementing several projects in various countries in Africa. Within the ECTAD framework, the Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) is closely working with the Emergency and Resilience Division (PSE) under the Strategic Program 5 to support various aspects of the animal health programme of FAO, including the Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT-2) and Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Programmes.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Bangladesh, the technical guidance of the ECTAD Bangladesh Country Team Leader, and the direct supervision of the International Operations Officer assigned to ECTAD, in close cooperation with other FAO staff as well as local and central Government of Bangladesh (GOB) counterparts, the incumbent will perform following duties and responsibilities:

Technical Focus

Provide timely and efficient operational and administration support to the successful implementation of the ECTAD Bangladesh activities, in accordance with FAO rules, procedures, and systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Handle day-to-day administrative activities related to the assigned project;
•    Provide operational assistance for planning and implementation of field activities of ECTAD Bangladesh projects;
•    Assist in coordinating, operational administration, logistics and field operations under ECTAD Bangladesh projects, including preparation of budgets, management of cash advances, and logistical preparations for workshops, meetings, seminars, and conferences;
•    Coordinate the procurement of necessary goods and supplies for project activities, including preparation of draft Technical Specifications, preparation of monthly procurement plans, and regular follow-up with relevant procurement-related staff;
•    Assist in preparing Letters of Agreement (LOA),  monitoring implementation, and ensuring that reports/requests for payment are submitted from Service Providers on time;
•    Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of project activities at the field level, including monthly reporting of activities completed and activities planned for the coming month, and contribution to 6-monthly project progress reports to the Donor and GOB;
•    Provide interpretation and translation services on occasion as required for the implementation of field activities when ECTAD translation staff are not available;
•    Keep well-organized records of all incoming/outgoing documents;
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    Degree in economics, finance, business administration, procurement and or other related fields
•    2 years’ experience in general project/office operational activities, and progressively responsible experience in operational management.
•    Working knowledge of written and spoken English is required.  Fluent in Bengali.
•    National of Bangladesh.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Functional Skills

•    Good knowledge of general administration, initiative, good judgment, and ability to independently organize office work and prepare correspondence. 
•    Willingness to work as a team member, 
•    Ability to plan and execute work with minimal supervision and attention to detail. 
•    Good ability to use PC, word processors, and other technology equipment. 
•    Good Numerical skills, negotiation skills, and representation skills. 
•    Good knowledge of the UN work system and ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds
•    Strong analytical, critical thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills, as well as gender-sensitive and cross-cultural competency
•    Knowledge and experience in HR
•    Ability to maintain/manage confidential information
•    Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills
•    Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate and influence across different levels and diverse teams in and out of the Organization;
•    Ability to conduct data analysis.
•    Interpersonal and communication skills to maintain good working relationships with people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds;
•    Previous work experience with UN agencies is preferred, but not required; 
•    Strong skills in word processing and spreadsheet software computer are required;
•    Ability to work efficiently with minimal direct supervision; 
•    Communication skills to maintain good working relationships with people from different nationality and cultural background.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION