Programme Assistant (Budget)

About The Job Organizational Setting: The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with centres/divisions/offices at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the Region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the Region. The post is located in the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) in Accra, Ghana. Main Purpose: The Programme Assistant (Budget) is responsible for the coordination of specialized and complex processes and activities in support of the delivery of the division's work programme, planning and budgeting activities. He/she provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in the division. Supervision Received/Exercised: The Programme Assistant (Budget) works under the general supervision of the Regional Programme Leader and direct supervision of the Strategy and Planning Officer. The incumbent operates independently and takes decisions on work priorities. Supervision received is focused on the quality of work outputs. He/ she provides guidance and advice to other programme support staff. Working Relationships: The Programme Assistant (Budget) works closely with a wide range of colleagues in the division and with client offices, ensuring the consistency and quality of programme/project support services provided by the division. Key Functions/Results: Monitor both Regular Programme and Project budgets, ensuring that funds are properly allocated and reported upon, and take corrective action if required; inform management of any budget issues that may require attention Provide support to budget holders in the preparation of the Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR), the biennial Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) and related work plans for the division as needed Prepare project budget revisions in consultation with budget holders Respond to a variety of routine queries and provide clarifications on programme and project matters; inform management and team members of processes, procedures and timeframes to secure admi