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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Human Resources Division (CSH) provides HR strategies, policies, tools, guidance and oversight to FAO clients worldwide to ensure that the Organization attracts, develops and retains a diverse, skilled and highly motivated workforce, delivering on the mandate of the organization. Over the next years CSH will focus on developing and implementing a people centered strategy, and positioning HR as a strategic partner contributing to the achievement of the mandate of FAO. The Human Resources Division is composed of two main clusters, (i) the Integrated Talent Management, providing advice and managing position management, recruitment, mobility, staff development - training, performance management and social security, and (ii) the HR Strategy and Policy providing HR strategic guidance, policy and oversight.
The post is located in the Office of the Director, CSH at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Main Purpose
The Office Assistant performs a variety of routine administrative transactions and office support functions contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the work unit.
Supervision Received/Exercised
The Office Assistant reports to and receives guidance from the senior Office Assistant in the Office of the Director, Human Resources Division. He/she acts independently in routine matters and consults with supervisor(s) on new and/or more complex issues and procedures. Supervision received provides for technical and procedural guidance and on-the-job learning.
Working Relationships
The Office Assistant interacts with a variety of colleagues from within the work unit. Interactions relate to the exchange of routine information and the provision of standard office support services.
Key Functions/Results
• Type, format and draft routine correspondence; collate tables, reports, presentations, publications, and other documentation.
• Receive, screen and direct telephone calls and visitors; respond to routine internal and external enquiries and/or refer to appropriate contacts/units.
• Enter, retrieve, structure and update selected information and data from various sources (e.g. Intra-/Internet, office files, etc.); present results in standard format.
• Set up and maintain office files and reference systems according to standard procedures.
• Initiate, view and track a variety of administrative transactions in the computerized financial/travel/human resources systems.
• Support the organization and administration of meetings, workshops and events (e.g. arranging for meeting rooms and other facilities).
• Assist with arranging for travels: organize transport, logistics, accommodation, documents.
• Ensure availability of office supplies and appropriate maintenance of office equipment.
• Perform other duties as required.
Impact of Work
The Office Assistant participates as part of a team in the provision of administrative and office support services. Actions reflect on the immediate and wider work unit.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Two years of relevant experience in office support work.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
IT Skills: Knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.
Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. \"Commuting distance\" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical Skills
• Knowledge of the Organization’s communication and documentation standards (including FAO Style, the editorial and formatting guidelines of FAO).
• Knowledge of corporate computerized financial/travel/human resources systems and administrative procedures and policies.
• Knowledge of the organizational structure.
Desirable Qualifications and Skills
• Experience of working in a front office.
• Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other working languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Ability to work under pressure and to handle sensitive issues with tact and utmost confidentiality.