Back Junior Programme Assistant

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. 
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Offices, led by FAO Representatives, implement the corporate Strategic Framework at the country level. They provide policy advice and technical assistance to support the development of policies, programmes, and projects aimed at achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable agricultural development to ensure zero hunger. 
In Bangladesh, the FAO Representation (FAOBD) manages several corporate initiatives, national, regional and global projects and programmes under the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), Trust Fund (TF) and Regular Programme (RP) budgets. These projects and programmes respond to priority needs identified by the Government and stakeholders and focus on strengthening capacities, introducing innovative technologies, and enhancing policy frameworks to drive sustainable transformation of agrifood systems. 

The objectives of these initiatives include: 
•     Strengthening national and local capacities to plan, implement, and monitor sustainable agricultural development programmes. 
•     Facilitating the introduction and scaling-up of climate-resilient and resource-efficient agricultural technologies. 
•     Supporting evidence-based policy formulation through data collection, analysis, and knowledge sharing. 
•     Enhancing coordination between government agencies, development partners, private sector actors, and community stakeholders. 
•     Ensuring effective project operations, including financial management, procurement, logistics, and compliance with FAO rules and procedures. 

The Junior Programme Assistant will play a key role in ensuring smooth delivery of these initiatives by providing operational, administrative, and coordination support, maintaining accurate records, tracking budgets and commitments, and facilitating timely communication among all stakeholders.

Reporting Lines

The Junior Programme Assistant is a SC 1 position. Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and in close consultation with project and programme staff, the incumbent will work closely with the National Programme Specialist of FAO, project teams, relevant government institutions, and other stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The position focuses on providing operational, financial, and administrative support for the effective implementation of national, global and regional FAO projects and programmes under Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), Trust Fund (TF) and Regular Programme (RP) budgets. The incumbent will ensure accurate processing of financial transactions, vendor management, and budget monitoring in line with FAO rules. The role also emphasizes coordination of meetings, workshops, trainings, and travel arrangements, as well as maintaining up-to-date project records and Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS) documentation. Strong liaison with stakeholders and government agencies is essential to facilitate smooth project delivery and reporting.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist in the formulation of project documents, concept notes, and proposals, and support the formulation of projects in line with FAO procedures and policies. 
•     Support the implementation and management of national, regional and global FAO projects by: (1) Preparing and monitoring budgets, reviewing transactions, providing expenditure updates and mediating erroneous transactions, and preparing related financial documentation; and (2) Managing daily project operations, including activity budgets, settlements and administrative processes such as CA, EFT, PRs, technical evaluations, pro-formas, work/travel-plans and Note Verbale/Notes for File—resolving operational issues during implementation. 
•     Assist projects and programmes through the different steps of the project cycle using FAO tools (iMIS, FPMIS, GRMS) and provide timely and regular operational guidance to project teams. 
•     Assist the Programme Unit in the overall monitoring of operationally active projects and provide support to respective teams to overcome bottlenecks in project delivery. 
•     Maintain official records of project documentations, activities, milestones and expenditures in accordance with FAO standards. 
•     Maintain effective liaison with key stakeholders and relevant government agencies for follow-up and communication. 
•     Coordinate and organize missions, meetings, workshops and training sessions: agenda settings, contact with partners, programming visits, etc. 
•     Provide backstopping and surge support capacity in case of need. 
•     Provide other related programmatic or operational support as assigned. 
•     Undertake any additional tasks assigned by the FAO Representative and/or the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, Finance or a related field. 
•     At least 1 (one) year of relevant experience in project formulation, operations, finance, or administration, preferably with UN agencies, international organizations, or development projects.  
•     Working knowledge (Level C) of English. 
•     National of Bangladesh.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong knowledge of project management and operational procedures, including planning, monitoring, and reporting. 
•     Experience with Oracle-based Management Information Systems. 
•     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with stakeholders, government agencies, and project teams. 
•     Strong documentation skills for preparing project proposals, concept notes, and reports. 
•     Ability to coordinate and organize workshops, trainings, meetings, and field missions effectively. 
•     Problem-solving and decision-making skills to address operational challenges efficiently. 
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION