Job Description

Programme Assistant – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Join FAO Malawi as a Programme Assistant

Company: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Location: Lilongwe
Job Type: Fixed Contract (Staff Position)
Grade Level: G-5
Contract Duration: Fixed-Term – 2 Years (Possibility of Extension)
Industry: International Development, Agriculture, Programme Management, Administration, United Nations

About the Opportunity

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is inviting applications for the position of Programme Assistant to support programme delivery, budget coordination, administrative operations, and project implementation activities in Lilongwe, Malawi.

This exciting opportunity is ideal for professionals interested in programme assistant jobs in Malawi, United Nations jobs, administrative support careers, project coordination jobs, NGO programme support roles, and international development careers.

The successful candidate will support programme planning, budgeting, reporting, procurement coordination, communication, and project administration while contributing to FAO’s mission of achieving sustainable agrifood systems and food security.

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Job Summary

The Programme Assistant will coordinate specialized programme support activities, assist in planning and budgeting processes, monitor programme implementation, and provide procedural guidance to programme staff.

The selected candidate will work closely with programme managers, finance teams, project stakeholders, and administrative departments to ensure effective programme execution and compliance with FAO procedures.

This role is suitable for candidates interested in programme management jobs, administrative assistant careers, development project support jobs, UN agency jobs, and project coordination opportunities.

Key Job Responsibilities

Programme Planning & Budget Management

• Monitor programme and project budgets to ensure proper allocation and expenditure.
• Support budget holders in preparing:
  • Periodic Budgetary Reports (PBR)
  • Programme of Work and Budget (PWB)
  • Work plans and financial updates
• Prepare project budget revisions in consultation with stakeholders.
• Identify budget concerns and recommend corrective action.

Programme & Project Administration

• Support the initiation and monitoring of Letters of Agreement (LOAs) during implementation phases.
• Coordinate administrative and financial activities for programme execution.
• Assist with project-related procurement and payment processes.
• Maintain programme files, records, and documentation.

Reporting & Data Management

• Compile and synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Support financial analysis and programme monitoring activities.
• Generate regular and ad-hoc management reports.
• Maintain data accuracy and office reference systems.

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Staff & Travel Coordination

• Coordinate administrative actions related to:
  • Staff management
  • Non-staff travel support
  • Programme logistics
  • Procurement requests
• Support operational efficiency across programme activities.

Communication & Knowledge Sharing

• Disseminate project outputs and communication materials using digital platforms.
• Respond to routine programme-related inquiries.
• Inform staff about procedures, timelines, and administrative processes.
• Provide procedural guidance to junior programme support staff.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Review administrative procedures and recommend improvements.
• Ensure compliance with FAO financial and administrative policies.
• Support accountability and transparent programme operations.

Education Requirements

Essential Qualification

• Secondary School Education

Preferred Qualification

Educational background in:

• Agriculture
• Agricultural Economics
• Programme Development
• Policy Analysis
• Development Studies

will be considered an added advantage.

Additional Advantage

Intermediate proficiency in another FAO official language such as:

• French
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Russian
• Spanish

is desirable.

Experience Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in:
  • Programme support services
  • Project administration
  • Budget monitoring
  • Administrative coordination
  • NGO or development sector operations

Experience within international organizations, United Nations agencies, NGOs, or government development programmes is highly desirable.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Programme and project coordination
• Budget monitoring
• Financial administration
• Reporting and documentation
• Procurement coordination
• Office administration
• Programme tracking systems

IT Skills

Strong working knowledge of:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Internet applications
• Office technology systems

Professional Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
• Good teamwork and relationship-building capabilities.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.

Core Competencies

• Results focus
• Team collaboration
• Effective communication
• Knowledge sharing
• Continuous improvement mindset

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Applicants must:

• Be nationals of Malawi, OR
• Possess a valid visa/work permit, and
• Live within commuting distance of Lilongwe at the time of application.

Salary & Employee Benefits

Salary: Competitive United Nations General Service (G-5) package (not disclosed)

Potential benefits may include:

• Fixed-term employment stability
• Professional international work environment
• Career growth opportunities
• Exposure to UN systems and programme management
• Capacity-building and learning opportunities

Training & Professional Development

FAO may provide training in:

• Programme management systems
• Budget and financial procedures
• Administrative compliance
• Project reporting
• Digital communication tools
• International development operations

Diversity, Ethics & Equal Opportunity

FAO promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Qualified female candidates, persons with disabilities, and applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

All staff are expected to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability, and professional ethics while adhering to FAO values and safeguarding standards.

Work Environment

This role offers a collaborative and professional work environment within a leading international organization focused on food security, agriculture development, and sustainable livelihoods.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official FAO recruitment platform before the deadline.

Application Deadline: 21 Dec 2026 – 11:59 PM

Why Join FAO Malawi?

This position is ideal for professionals seeking programme assistant jobs in Malawi, UN jobs in Africa, international NGO jobs, administrative support careers, project coordination opportunities, development sector jobs, and programme management careers.