Programme Assistant

The FAO country office is headed by an FAO Representative, and its main aim is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition. In Guyana, the office plays a major role in providing technical and other assistance towards the development of the agricultural sector. The Programme Assistant is responsible for the coordination of specialized and complex processes and activities in support of the delivery of the division’s work programme, planning and budgeting activities. He/she provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in the division.

Reporting Lines

The Programme Assistant will report to Dr. Gillian Smith, FAO Representative. The Consultant will work under the technical supervision of the Assistant Food and Agriculture Organisation Representative (programme)

The Programme Assistant works closely with a wide range of colleagues in the division and with client departments/offices, ensuring the consistency and quality of programme/ project support services provided by the division

• Monitor both Regular Programme and Projects budgets ensuring that funds are properly allocated and reported upon and take corrective action if required; inform management of any budget issues that may require attention;
• Provide support to budget holders in the preparation of the Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR), the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and related work plans for the division;
• Prepare projects’ budget revisions in consultation with budget holders;
• Respond to a variety of routine queries and provide clarifications on programme and project matters; inform management and team members of processes, procedures and timeframes to secure administrative services needed for programme/project execution; initiate correspondence to verify data, obtain additional information on transactions and budgetary matters;
• Review data quality and maintain office records and reference files on various subjects; compile and synthesize data from various sources to support financial analyses on programme/project activities; generate periodic or ad-hoc management reports;
• Coordinate the full array of administrative and financial actions related to staff management, non-staff support, travel, payments, and procurement;
• Review and make recommendations to improve current programme/ projects administration procedures and processes;
• Perform other functions as required.

• Secondary School Education
• Four years of relevant experience in the provision of programme/projects support services
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English
• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment
• National of Guyana

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

• Very good knowledge of corporate information systems
• Very good knowledge of programme and budget processes and procedures
• Very good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations
• Very good knowledge of communication and documentation standards

• Education\: Level completed relevancy and quality.
• Previous Work Experience\: Amount, location, relevancy and quality
• Communication\: Written, oral and interpersonal.
• Availability\: Possesses or can timely obtain necessary Visa and travel permits.
• Analytical Skills\: Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports in order to inform management and strategic decision-making

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.