Office Assistant

Organizational Setting The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) contributes to FAO's work by supporting countries to transition to sustainable crop production systems, which produce more with less, through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to both optimize productivity and minimize the systems' environmental footprints and thereby eradicate hunger and malnutrition while preserving natural resources. The Plant Health Cluster (NSPPH), one of the five clusters that make up NSP, provides technical advice and guidance in areas of integrated pest management in the context of sustainable crop production intensification and diversification, and pesticide management in the context of the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. NSPPH provides advice, technical support, and guidance to countries on the sustainable management of locusts and transboundary plant pests and diseases. The position is located in the Plant Health Cluster (NSPPH) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Main Purpose The Office Assistant performs a variety of routine administrative transactions and office support functions contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the work unit. Supervision Received/Exercised The Office Assistant reports to the Agricultural Officer, NSPPH, and receives guidance from the Programme Assistant. The incumbent acts independently in routine matters and consults with the supervisor(s) on new and/or more complex issues and procedures. Supervision received provides for technical and procedural guidance and on-the-job learning. Working Relationships The Office Assistant interacts with a variety of colleagues from within the work unit. Interactions relate to the exchange of routine information and the provision of standard office support services. Key Functions/Results Type, format and draft routine correspondence; collate tables, reports, presentations, publications, and other documentation. Receive, screen and direct telephone calls and visitors; respond to routine internal and external enquiries and/or refer to appropriate contacts/units. Enter, retrieve, structure and update selected information and data from various sources (e.g. Intra-/Internet, office files, etc.); present results in standard format. Set up and maintain office files and reference systems according to standard procedures. Initiate, view and track a variety of administrative transactions in the computerized financial/travel/human resources systems. Support the organization and administration of meetings, workshops and events (e.g. arranging for meeting rooms and other facilities). Assist with arranging for travels: organize transport, logistics, accommodation, documents. Ensure availability of office supplies and appropriate maintenance of office equipment. Perform other duties as required. Impact Of Work The Office Assistant participates as part of a team in the provision of administrative and office support services. Actions reflect on the immediate and wider work unit. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements Education : Secondary School Education. Experience : Two years of relevant experience in office support work. Languages : Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. IT Skills : Knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment. Residency : General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing valid visa to work or a valid work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. "Commuting distance" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence. Competencies Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical Skills Knowledge of the communication and documentation standards. Knowledge of corporate computerized financial/travel/human resources systems and administrative procedures and policies. Knowledge of the organizational structure. Desirable Qualifications And Skills Experience in direct collaboration and support of the country/field offices is desirable. Knowledge of recruitment process of all categories of staff and non-staff. Ability to maintain data received and archive it in the SharePoint folders. Knowledge of the Publication Workflow System. Familiarity and experience with budget procedures and project-related activities. Experience with Letters of Agreements (LoAs). Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement Job Posting 06/Oct/2026 Closure Date 20/Oct/2026, 11:59:00 PM Organizational Unit NSP - Plant Production and Protection Job Type Staff position Grade Level G-3 Primary Location Italy-Rome Duration 2002230 Post Number N/A IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device Staff in the General Service category are recruited locally from the Primary Location area, which is where the office is located. 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 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. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production , better nutrition , a better environment, and a better life , leaving no one behind.