Position Title:   Programme Associate (Budget)
Division/ Branch: Regional Programme Coordination Unit
Organizational Unit: Regional Office for Africa, Accra, Ghana
Duty Station: Accra CCOG Code: 2.1.02b Department/office: RAF-RPCU
Grade Level: G-G
Post Number: O123218
Duration :1 Year
The post is typically located in the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF).

Main Purpose:
The Programme Associate plays a lead role in the coordination of programme/ projects support services for the region. He/she performs a broad range of programme, planning and budgeting activities requiring in-depth analysis and interpretation of relevant policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in the region.

Supervison Received:
Under the general supervision of the Senior Field Programme Officer and the direct supervision of the Programme, Planning and Budget Officer and in close collaboration with other colleagues in the budget group and the RPCU, the Programme Associate provides day-to-day support to the mangement, coordination and monitoring to the Programme Planning & Budget in the Africa Region. Work is performed autonomously, showing a high degree of initiative and independent judgment. Supervision received is focused on facilitating service delivery. The incumbent provides guidance and training to programme support staff in the region.

Working Relationships:
The Programme Associate maintains a wide range of contacts with managers, staff and stakeholders inside and outside the Regional Office. The incumbent collaborates closely with colleagues in other departments; Sub Region and Country Office and the corporate services, ensuring the quality and consistency of programme/projects support services

Key Functions/Results:

•   Coordinate, review and analyze the Regional Periodic Budgetary Reports for final submission to theOffice of Strategic Planning;
•   Coordinate the preparation, submission, revision and follow-up of the Regional Programme of Work and  Budget, and the  monitoring and  provision of information on the implementation of the PW8;
•   Assemble and synthesize data from corporate and regional data bases to facilitate the analysis of programmes, projects or activities, and to draft periodic or ad hoc management reports;
•   Monitor Regional projects and ensure the maintenance and retrieval of programming reference material, documentation, data and information;
•   Consolidate and monitor various reports on General Fund, human resources planning and expenditures, the use of non-staff resources, the regional communication and publishing plans, IT plans, and travel schedules;
•   Screen incoming correspondence to identify issues requiring further attention and draft related correspondence;
•   Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing across the region through training of staff and briefing of budget holders on administrative/ budgetary/ planning/ programming/ financial procedures processes;               •   Review current processes and make recorrwnendatians to improve programme/ projects administration procedures;
•   Provide budget and expenditures monitoring support to French and English speaking decentralized offices for the implementation of the Organization Programme;
•   Perform other functions as required.

Impact of Work:
The incumbent's work affects the efficiency, effectiveness, accuracy and timeliness of the programme support services provided by the work unit. He/she plays a lead role in the coordination and provision of the programme support services for the successful achievement of the region's mandate.

Qualification Required & Experience

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

•   Education: Secondary School Education
•   Experience: Five years of experience in administrative/ financial/ planning/ programming/ budgeting activities for both Regular Programme and Projects, including one year at the G-5 level
•   Languages: Working knowledge (Level C) of English and French
•   IT Skills: Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Very strong skill In Excel, Power Point, Internet and office technology equipment.
•   Excellent writing skill in English and French.

Technical Skills:

•   Thorough knowledge of the Organization's corporate information systems
•   Thorough knowledge of the Organization's programme and  budget processes and procedures
•   Thorough knowledge of the Organization's common administrative and financial rules and regulations
•   Thorough knowledge of the Organization's communication and documentation standards

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Applications should be submitted to the Regional Human Resources Officer, FAO

Regional Office for Africa,
P.O.Box 1628,Accra

Closing Date: 19 November, 2014

STAFF MEMBERS: COMPLETE FORM ADM75
OTHER ENTITLED CANDIDATES: COMPLETE FAO PERSONAL HISTORY FORM AVAILABLE ON WWW.FAO.ORG (TYPE "VACANCIES" AND CLICK SEARCH THEN CURRENT VACANCIES TO SELECT THE PERSONAL HISTORY FORM)

Please Note That Only Short-Listed Applicants Will Be Contacted.