The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced an exciting employment opportunity for qualified candidates in the Pacific region. The organization is currently recruiting a National Administrative Assistant to be based in Port Vila, Vanuatu, under its Subregional Office for the Pacific (SAP). This role offers a valuable chance to work with a leading UN specialized agency dedicated to ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture worldwide.
About FAO and the Subregional Office for the Pacific (SAP)
FAO is one of the largest and most influential specialized agencies of the United Nations. Its mandate focuses on achieving food security for all by ensuring people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO works in more than 130 countries and supports governments, institutions, and communities in strengthening agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and natural resource management.
The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific (SAP) plays a critical role in coordinating FAO’s work across Pacific Island countries, including Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and several others. SAP develops and oversees strategies that address agriculture, food security, nutrition, and rural development challenges specific to the Pacific region. The office also maintains strong partnerships with regional institutions such as the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP) and operates under the guidance of FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok.
Position Overview
The National Administrative Assistant position is a non-staff opportunity offered under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA). The role is based in Vanuatu – Port Vila, with a contract duration of 11 months. The job was posted on 15 January 2026, and the application deadline is 30 January 2026.
This role is designed for candidates with solid administrative and operational experience who are ready to support FAO’s country office activities. The incumbent will contribute directly to the smooth functioning of FAO operations in Vanuatu, ensuring effective administrative, financial, and logistical support.
Reporting Lines and Work Environment
The selected candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Subregional Coordinator, with technical supervision from the Administrative Officer in the SAP office. On a day-to-day basis, the incumbent will report to the Assistant Representative (Programme) in Vanuatu.
FAO offers a professional, multicultural, and inclusive work environment. The organization strongly values diversity and encourages applications from qualified women, nationals of under- and non-represented member states, and persons with disabilities. Integrity, professionalism, and respect are core principles guiding workforce.
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Technical Focus of the Role
The National Administrative Assistant will provide comprehensive administrative, financial, and operational support to the FAO Vanuatu office. The role covers a broad range of office functions, including:
- Petty cash management and financial reconciliation
- Travel coordination and support for local and international missions
- Asset and inventory management
- Procurement and human resources support
- Record keeping and office administration
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy multitasking, maintaining accurate records, and supporting teams to achieve operational efficiency.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
The duties of the National Administrative Assistant are varied and essential to daily office operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining petty cash accounts, reconciling expenditures, balances, and statements
- Managing local assets and inventory records to ensure proper safeguarding and maintenance
- Supporting local travel arrangements, including visa coordination for visiting FAO missions
- Assisting in the registration of NST travellers, including government officers
- Maintaining travel databases and clearing outstanding travel-related balances
- Identifying and claiming travel cost refunds from agents or travellers
- Supporting office communication systems when required
- Acting as custodian for stationery and maintaining accurate records
- Maintaining organized filing systems for administrative and financial documents
- Retrieving, entering, and analyzing data from FAO corporate systems and databases
- Supporting procurement and human resources actions when needed
- Preparing routine administrative correspondence and responding to queries
- Performing other related duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements
Candidates applying for this position must meet the following minimum criteria:
- A high school diploma
- At least three years of relevant experience in administration, finance, accounting, procurement, logistics, or office support
- Working knowledge of English
- Nationality of Vanuatu or legal residency with a valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies and Values
FAO assesses candidates based on its core competencies, which include:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
All applicants are expected to demonstrate FAO’s core values: Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency. FAO also emphasizes environmental sustainability as a key component of its strategic objectives.
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Additional Information for Applicants
FAO maintains a transparent and fair recruitment process. It is important to note that:
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
- Educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, security checks, and verification of qualifications
- COVID-19 vaccination may be required as part of medical clearance
Why Apply for This Role?
Working as a National Administrative Assistant with FAO offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful development work in the Pacific region. The position provides professional growth, exposure to international development operations, and the chance to support initiatives that directly impact food security, livelihoods, and sustainable resource management in Vanuatu.
