Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the incumbent will work in close collaboration/coordination with the Programme and Administration Units of the FAO Office in China.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will ensure the smooth flow of office work and information. The job role requires in-depth knowledge and interpretation of office policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in Office.
Tasks and responsibilities- Under the prior authorization or delegation of the FAO Representative
•     Analyse, manage and monitor a large and diversified volume of complex correspondence and documentation, often of confidential and sensitive nature; ensure appropriate routing, reply, prioritization, accuracy, consistency and timeliness; bring complex, sensitive or priority issues to the supervisor's attention.
•     Provide information and guidance to staff, ensure understanding of FAOR’s intent and deadlines.
•     Arrange appointments and duty travels, maintain supervisor's calendar and receive visitors.
•     Organize meetings, finalize agendas and invitations, ensure the production and distribution of documentation, take notes and prepare minutes, and follow up on required actions.
•     Prepare TA/TEC, and support on hotel accommodations/flight bookings for FAOR’s missions.
•     Maintain FAOR’s filing of documents and correspondence in accordance with FAO procedures.
•     Establish internal procedures and tracking systems for correspondence and documents; verify that work is done in accordance with corporate standards; monitor work progress.
•     Follow up on the preparation of reports, correspondence, briefing notes and other documents; review documents and make changes to their format or style in accordance with standard practices; conduct research and prepare briefing materials for the supervisor.
•     Evaluate ongoing support requirements of the office, adapt service provision to meet changing needs and solve operational problems as required.
•     Ensure the initiation of a variety of transactions in the organization's computerized administrative systems.
•     Perform any other duties as may be assigned within area of work or competence.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
   
•     University degree in a field related to business or public administration, or programme management and communication
•     Five years of relevant experience in office administration and in support of the head of the office
•     Working knowledge of English and Chinese
•     Proficiency in current office software applications (MS Office, One drive for business, intranet, etc.) and good knowledge on operating automated devices
•     Chinese Nationality with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•     Extent and relevance of experience in the field of office management and administration.
•     Extent of knowledge of UN or standard operational rules and procedures and project/programme administrative management procedures.
•     Extent of knowledge of FAO's corporate systems and database, or knowledge of other accounting or financial modules or applications relevant to accounting procedures or project budget management would be considered an asset.
•     Demonstrated analytical and judgment skills, and ability to apply rules and regulations in the subject field.
•     Effective communication skills, good organizational and planning skills.
•     Work experience in UN system or diplomatic missions is desirable. 
•     Relevance experience in support of the head of the office is an asset.
 

Recommended for you