National Project Personnel – (Programme Assistant)

Overview
Support project management and ensure operational efficiency

You have:

Masters’ degree in a field related to project management, finance, business administration, international cooperation, or other relevant fields
2-5 years of relevant experience in financial, administrative and/or project management support work
Working knowledge of English and Chinese
Proficiency in current office software applications (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
Chinese Nationality

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Details
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.

With the support of Global Environment Facility (GEF) and in collaboration with partners in China, FAO has been implementing 8 field projects in various locations in China since 2014, including GCP/CPR/049/GFF project entitled Securing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in Huangshan Municipality.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in China, the Programme Assistant directly reports to the National GEF Portfolio Officers. Work is performed under the guidance of the National GEF Portfolio Officers and GEF Coordination Unit, showing a high degree of initiative and providing efficient operations support.

Technical Focus

The Programme Assistant supports project management. He/she ensures the smooth operations support by setting priorities and organizing the day-to-day work. The job role requires knowledge and experience of project management, procedures and practices. The incumbent communicates frequently to the operational partner and provides guidance and supports on the project implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

Provide support to the project staff on day-to-day operations
Coordinate assurance activities including documenting and following up on audit/spot check recommendations
Participate in field missions as required
In line with the revised Project Cycle, help ensure data concerning the office’s field programme portfolio is up-to-date in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS), with relevant project documentation uploaded as appropriate, including budget revision
Monitor the submission of six-month project progress reports (PPRs), project implementation review (PIRs), relevant financial reports and project terminal report and provide support in reviewing these reports;
Support Execution Agreement (EA) and Operational Partners Agreement (OPA) related issues, as well as the closure.
Provide relevant administrative support for the organization of project evaluation missions, provide evidence documents for project.
Process, format and proof-read project reports, documents, publications and correspondence from draft texts
Make arrangements for meetings, seminars, field missions and events: implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make administrative arrangements
Initiate and follow up on administrative and financial actions related to recruitment, management and support; travel; and payments
Assist with publicity and knowledge sharing activities
Assist coordination within the portfolio and between different projects
Translate relevant documents if needed.
Perform other duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Masters’ degree in a field related to project management, finance, business administration, international cooperation, or other relevant fields
2-5 years of relevant experience in financial, administrative and/or project management support work
Working knowledge of English and Chinese
Proficiency in current office software applications (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
Chinese Nationality
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 project operations
Basic knowledge of UN or standard operational rules and procedures and project/programme administrative management procedures;
Basic 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 skill , good organizational and planning skill;
Relevant experience in administration, financial support, project management or project operation, preferably in an international setting
Quick learning and innovative thinking is desirable
Work experience in UN system or diplomatic missions is desirable.