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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
- 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including South Africa. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation into 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 main objective 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 develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors’ representatives and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) and in close coordination with the Administration and Operations Unit of FAO South Africa, under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative.
Technical Focus
Provision of efficient and reliable office support services to ensure a professional, safe and well-functioning working environment. The role focuses on maintaining office accessibility by keeping a record of all office door codes, supporting administrative and logistical tasks, managing office supplies and deliveries, and assisting in safety and security compliance within FAO Representation Country Office.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Provide general administrative tasks and clerical support (e.g., filing, photocopying, managing correspondence).
• Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and events.
• Maintain office supplies and inventory.
• Accompany visiting internal and external stakeholders when they visit the UN House, as required.
• Perform data entry and maintain records.
• Assist with local travel arrangements and logistics.
• Helping in the preparation and organization of office materials, office files, document archives (physical and electronic)
• Register incoming and outgoing correspondence, parcels, official documents, and courier service.
• Assist staff in retrieving administrative documents and records when required
• Coordinate office support services for meetings, trainings, seminars, committees, and special projects and events;
Perform other duties as requested.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Completed High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in office support, cleaning, or facility maintenance.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of South Africa or resident of the country with valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Selection Criteria
• Basic understanding of workplace safety, hygiene, and administrative tasks.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions with minimal supervision.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff, visitors, and building management.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lifting, cleaning, running errands) as required
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
- Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
- Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
- For other issues, 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.
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