Programme Support Specialist

Programme Support Specialist (2601303)

Job Type: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Up to 11 months

EEO Statement

• 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 persons 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.

Organizational Setting

The Information Technology Division (CSI) is responsible for all IT activities within the Organization. CSI performs on behalf of the Organization the following critical roles: defining FAO IT policies and providing strategic advice on IT architecture and standards, governance, policy and operational matters while monitoring organizational compliance; defining the mechanisms for managing FAO's information and data; protecting FAO's information assets and ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability; ensuring provision of IT services that are core for the Organization's global operations and supporting the information and business processes; coordinating organization‑wide IT activities in order to reduce duplication and fragmentation and to increase integration of information data, systems and platforms, mobilizing IT resources from across the Organization.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the Information Technology Officer (IT Strategic Sourcing, Planning & Control group), the incumbent will act as Programme Support Specialist.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide programme support and, where needed, coordination to the operations of the IT Strategic Sourcing, Planning & Control group of the IT Division.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide timely and efficient operations, budget and administration support to the implementation of programme and project activities, coordinating the activities in this area.
• Develop financial statements functional to management meetings allowing strategic decisions, suggesting possible improvements where needed.
• Coordinate the Annual internal financial planning exercise, in close collaboration with the related ITSSPC Officer.
• Assist the related ITSSPC officer in the preparation of periodic and ad hoc financial reports.
• Coordinate the development and update of reports covering all IT Planning and Control group areas and important reviews of the internal financial system, both using also PowerBI tool.
• Implement effective internal control mechanisms to ensure adequate performance of a client‑oriented financial management system.
• Support in handling procurement activities and processes in line with divisional and organizational needs.
• Monitor projects plans, delivery and resource schedules.
• Coordinate internal financial activities, accounting adjustments and back‑charges as necessary, review payment requests and invoices from suppliers.
• Provide reports on the administrative activities performed.
• Actively contribute to service definitions and internal process and procedures improvements.
• Liaise with relevant collaborating departments on matters related to contracts, payments and financial activities.
• Contribute to other programme support, financial related and sourcing processes.
• Perform any other duties as required.

Candidate Assessment Criteria

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Management, Law, Social science, International relations or closely related discipline; consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: University degree or relevant professional experience in Management, Law, Social science, International relations or closely related discipline.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in programme support, administrative and/or ICT Contracts area.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish.

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience and knowledge in programme support, administration and financial support area.
• Experience and knowledge in ICT area is an asset.
• Experience in an international/ multicultural organization is desirable.
• Knowledge of FAO Administrative and Financial Rules is desirable.
• Knowledge of FAO associated tools (e.g. GRMS, iMIS) is desirable.
• Knowledge of Ms Excel and PowerBI is a strong asset.
• Relevant experience in similar support related position.
• Knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages is an asset.

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