Program Associate – FAO
The Programme Associate role is located in the Office of the Director, NFIDD at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The position supports fisheries and aquaculture activities that focus on human well‑being, food security, poverty reduction, and the sustainable development of dependent communities.
Organizational Setting
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations.
Main Purpose
The Programme Associate plays a lead role in coordinating programme/project support services for the office, performing a broad range of programme, planning and budgeting activities that require in-depth analysis and interpretation of relevant policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural guidance to managers and staff and trains programme support staff.
Key Functions / Results

Coordinate the preparation, submission, revision and follow‑up of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and monitor its implementation.
Coordinate, review and analyse Periodic Budgetary Reports.
Assemble and synthesize data from corporate and office databases to facilitate programme, project or activity analysis and draft periodic or ad‑hoc management reports.
Monitor projects and ensure the maintenance and retrieval of programming reference material, documentation, data and information.
Consolidate and monitor various reports on human resources planning and expenditures, the use of non‑staff resources, communication and publishing plans, IT plans and travel schedules.
Screen incoming correspondence, identify issues requiring further attention and draft related correspondence.
Support knowledge building and sharing across the department through training and briefing budget holders on administrative, budgeting, planning, programming and financial procedures and processes.
Review current processes and recommend improvements to programme/project administration procedures.
Perform other functions as required.

Impact Of Work
The incumbent’s work directly supports the smooth and efficient operations of the office’s programme and project activities, playing a proactive role in achieving the office’s mandate.
Minimum Requirements

Secondary School Education.
Five years of experience in administrative, financial, planning, programming or budgeting activities.
Working knowledge (proficiency – Level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another official language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Good knowledge of MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

Competencies

Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building effective relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

Thorough knowledge of corporate information systems.
Thorough knowledge of programme and budget processes and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations.
Thorough knowledge of communication and documentation standards.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

Very good knowledge of the corporate structure and processes, strategic work planning and operational monitoring.
Ability to work under minimal supervision, taking ownership of delegated responsibilities.

Job Posting Information

Posting date: 26 Nov 2025
Closure date: 11 Dec 2025, 12:59:00 AM
Organizational Unit: NFI
Job Type: Staff position
Type of Requisition: General Service
Grade Level: G‑6
Primary Location: Italy, Rome
Duration: Fixed‑term – two years (possible extension)
Post Number: 1017136

FAO Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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 has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct 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.

Seniorities and Employment Type

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Administrative
Industry: Non‑profit Organizations

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