Programme Assistant

FAO BTN organization mission TBD

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been actively engaged in Bhutan since 1981, establishing its office in Thimphu in 1985 to foster the nation’s agricultural and food security initiatives. FAO Bhutan collaborates closely with the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) to implement a variety of technical cooperation projects and programs, which are supported by both bilateral and multilateral development partners. With a focus on enhancing sustainable agricultural practices, improving food security, and promoting rural development, FAO plays a crucial role in advancing Bhutan’s socio-economic development objectives.

FAO Bhutan has recently developed the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2024-2028, which aims to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP). The CPF 2024-2028 represents a significant financial commitment of approximately USD 83 million, marking a substantial increase from the previous CPF target of USD 5 million. This funding is intended to assist the RGoB in executing the 13th Five-Year Plan, which emphasizes on transforming the agri-food sector for economic growth and sustainable development.

With an expanding portfolio and substantial resources allocated for the CPF 2024-2028, the Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Country Office in managing and supporting programmes and ensuring compliance with FAO policies.

The information on FAO Bhutan can be accessed via https://www.fao.org/bhutan/en.

The Prorgamme Assistant will perform the following tasks:
• Analyse progress reports received from implementing partners and ensure the completeness and quality of reports and upload them in the FAO corporate system (FPMIS, GRMS, IMIS) for all operational field projects/activities;
• Assist in the preparation of concept notes, project documents, draft briefs, project procurement and recruitment plans, and ensure that required information and data are properly reflected in the Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS);
• Assist in the collection and preparation of data and (background) information in the areas of FAO’s activities in the country (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural/sustainable development); edit the information in appropriate format;
• Update, analyse and summarise data from various sources, including FAO corporate systems, such as COIN (Country Office Information System), FPMIS, Data warehouse, GRMS (Global Resources Management System), and country databases;
• Assist in initiating project budgets, revisions and amendments in FPMIS and prepare budgetary documentation;
• Initiate preparation of project annual work planning and budgeting;
• Support the monitoring and reviewing of the assigned projects to ensure all activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document;
• Assist in developing capacity building, training material, technical guidance notes, proposals and reports for briefings, review sessions and meetings. Prepare minutes of the meeting;
• Assist in the preparation and dispatching of official correspondence (letters, email, etc.) as requested and maintain a filing system of technical, project and administrative documents and correspondence;
• Assist in liaising with relevant government ministries, donors, and implementing partners, for coordination and implementation of FAO projects and activities, as required;
support the facilitation and organization of workshops, trainings and field missions executed by FAO country office;
• Assist in monitoring and verifying availability of funds under all programmes; ensure that operational expenditures are in accordance with approved budgets and that all documents required are complete and consistent;
• Update management regularly on the progress, implementation, and operational issues, etc. of projects;
• Explore continuously websites of potential investors for Calls for proposals and update supervisor;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Results/expected outputs:

As an active FAO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to FAO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
• Assist in developing and implementing programmes.
• Curation and coordination of workshops and trainings with government, donors, and implementing partners.
• Progress reports of projects under implementation.
• Ensure the timely submission of reports.