🏢 About Organization
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads global efforts to eliminate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Working across more than 130 countries, FAO partners with governments, civil society, and international institutions to strengthen food systems and support rural development.
FAO plays a central role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. Its work focuses on achieving better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all people, especially vulnerable populations.
The organization is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability, gender equality, and inclusive development. FAO fosters a diverse and multicultural work environment where staff from around the world contribute to solving global challenges. Integrity, respect for all, and transparency guide its operations and workplace culture.
🌍 About Opportunity
The Office Assistant position in Rome, Italy is a fixed-term opportunity within the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division. The role supports the Indigenous Peoples Unit and contributes to the smooth and efficient functioning of administrative operations at FAO headquarters.
This position is designed for experienced administrative professionals who are highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of supporting international teams in a fast-paced environment. The Office Assistant plays an important role in ensuring that communication, documentation, and internal processes run effectively across the unit.
Working in a global UN environment, the selected candidate will gain exposure to international development operations, administrative systems, and high-level coordination activities. The role provides valuable experience for individuals seeking long-term careers in international organizations, particularly within the United Nations system.
The Office Assistant will work under the supervision of senior staff and will be expected to handle routine administrative responsibilities independently while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and efficiency in all tasks.
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📌 Key Responsibilities
The Office Assistant will contribute to a wide range of administrative and operational functions, including:
- Managing daily schedules, appointments, and meetings for supervisors
- Coordinating correspondence, emails, and internal communications
- Receiving, reviewing, and distributing incoming documents and mail
- Drafting, formatting, and proofreading official documents and reports
- Supporting logistics for meetings, workshops, and conferences
- Maintaining accurate filing systems, databases, and records
- Preparing travel arrangements and processing travel claims
- Assisting with procurement processes, purchase requests, and agreements
- Using internal UN systems for finance, HR, and administrative tasks
- Updating mailing lists, spreadsheets, and contact databases
- Providing general office support to ensure smooth workflow
The role also involves interacting with internal teams and external stakeholders, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
🎯 Who Can Apply
This opportunity is suitable for candidates who meet the following requirements:
Applicants must have at least a secondary school education, along with a minimum of three years of relevant experience in office administration, secretarial work, or general support functions. Strong knowledge of English is required, both written and spoken.
Candidates should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and familiar with standard office technology and digital tools. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage time effectively are essential for success in this role.
The ideal applicant should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to work in multicultural environments. Experience in international organizations or large institutions is considered an advantage.
Additional desirable skills include experience in organizing meetings, handling procurement or travel processes, and familiarity with administrative systems used in global organizations. Knowledge of Spanish and experience working with diverse cultural communities are also beneficial.
Applicants must also meet residency requirements for locally recruited staff in Rome, Italy, meaning they should already reside within commuting distance or possess valid work authorization.
📝 Application Process
Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal by completing an online profile and submitting the required documents. Applications are carefully reviewed based on qualifications, experience, and compliance with eligibility criteria.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. The selection process may include background checks, verification of documents, and evaluation of language proficiency where necessary.
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues and ensure full consideration before the closing date.
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🌟 Why Join FAO
Working at FAO offers a unique opportunity to be part of a global mission focused on ending hunger and improving food systems worldwide. The organization provides a stable and supportive environment where employees can grow professionally while contributing to meaningful international development work.
This Office Assistant role allows individuals to gain practical experience in United Nations administrative systems, office coordination, and international communication. It is an excellent entry point into global careers and provides exposure to high-level organizational processes.
FAO promotes diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning, ensuring that staff are supported in their professional development. Employees benefit from working in a multicultural environment where collaboration and knowledge sharing are highly valued.
The role also provides the opportunity to build strong administrative, organizational, and technical skills that are transferable across UN agencies and other international institutions.
For individuals seeking to start or advance their careers in global organizations, this position offers a strong foundation and meaningful exposure to international development operations.
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