Business Support Assistant

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
31 October :59-GMT+08:00 Philippine Standard Time (Manila)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

The World Food Programme's engagement in the Philippines is constantly evolving. Initially commencing operations in the 1960s, WFP officially re-established its presence in 2006 to support the peace process in Mindanao, to provide life-saving food assistance in emergencies, and to develop programmes that seek to improve nutrition and the overall quality of life of vulnerable people.

Since 1 March 2024, WFP has been implementing a five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP to support the Government of the Philippines will contributing towards efficient and comprehensive emergency preparedness and response capacity and improved resilience at the individual, household, community and institutional levels. Investments in human capital development through the promotion of nutrition-sensitive and inclusive social protection interventions, such as the home-grown school feeding programme, will protect and promote the food and nutrition security of vulnerable people and communities, social cohesion, economic growth and gender equality.

The country strategic plan will be guided by three interrelated outcomes:

• By 2028, communities exposed to shocks and stressors in the Philippines are better able to meet food, nutrition and other essential needs with inclusive and equitable emergency preparedness and response capacity at the national and local levels.
• By 2028, communities vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity in the Philippines are more resilient and can better manage risks affecting human capital gains and food systems, inclusively and equitably.
• The Government and partners in the Philippines access WFP services that augment their interventions, upon request.

JOB TITLE:
Business Support Assistant (Management Services)

TYPE OF CONTRACT:
Service Contract

JOB GRADE:
SC-4

UNIT/DIVISION:
Resource Management Unit

DUTY STATION:
Cotabato City, Philippines

DURATION:
12 months, with possibility of extension

This position is open to Filipino nationals only
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:
The Business Support Assistant will provide administrative support to team(s) and/or support a specific business stream in Cotabato Field Office Operation, and will be reporting to the Management Services Associate with overall guidance under the Head of Field Office.

At this level, work is carried out under close supervision or immediately available assistance. Job holders are expected to produce organised and accurate work.

JOB PURPOSE:
To deliver a range of routine business support tasks, to ensure that staff are effectively supported.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
Within the designated unit and under delegated authority, the Business Support Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Facilitate the processing and management of routine administrative and financial tasks across various functional areas to ensure the effective and timely utilisation of resources. Responsibilities include utilising corporate tools and procedures pertaining to travel management, micro-purchases, procurement, and expense recognition support.
• Maintain established systems and files to guarantee the accuracy and accessibility of information, thereby supporting functional needs and Field Office operations.
• Address routine queries and escalate as necessary to provide prompt and accurate service to programme staff.
• Deliver a range of standard business support activities, as required, to contribute to the efficient operation of business processes.
• Arrange travel and assist with field events to support field operations.
• Execute data entry tasks in accordance with defined systems, ensuring that information is systematically organised and readily accessible to the business team.
• Collaborate with supervisors on contract management and vendor engagement, particularly concerning management services and business support functions.
• Perform additional related responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Has demonstrated a sound understanding of WFP Management Services regulations, policies, procedures, processes, standards, and systems
• Has experience in administration and business support to field operation.
• Has experience in coordinating the work of others and providing guidance.
• Has experience working with teams across different functional areas.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Secondary education with specialized certification in management or supplemented by training in personnel or general administration work.
• Completion of Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or other relevant field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience within general administrative work.
• Has worked within government institutions, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), or United Nations systems, gaining exposure to complex operational environments.
• Has experience working with different teams and has contributed to shared projects and goals.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficient in the use of office equipment and computer software packages, such as Microsoft Word.
• Knowledge of work routines and methods in order to complete processes under minimal supervision.
• Uses tact and courtesy to give and receive information to a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to identify data discrepancies and rectify problems requiring attention.

Language:
Fluency in in English and Filipino, both oral and written communication

Compensation Package Overview:

• Remuneration will be in accordance with WFP's salary scale and will be communicated during the offer stage.
• Medical coverage, extendable to eligible dependents.
• Leave benefits and other applicable entitlements.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:

NO FEE DISCLAIMER
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
• Please contact us at in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.