FAO Is Hiring Office Assistants
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Office Assistant Vacancies in Pretoria, South Africa. The closing date for applications is 29 May 2026.
If you have been dreaming about working in a professional international environment, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. Food and Agriculture Organization, also known as FAO, is currently looking for Office Assistants to join their South Africa office in Pretoria.
This opportunity is ideal for people who enjoy office work, helping others, organising documents, handling daily administrative duties, and working in a structured environment. Even though this is an office support role, it offers valuable experience within one of the world’s most respected international organisations.
Many people think United Nations jobs are only for highly experienced professionals, but opportunities like this show that there are also important support positions available for hardworking and reliable individuals.
About FAO and What They Do
Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations that focuses on fighting hunger, improving food security, and helping countries build better agricultural systems.
The organisation works in more than 130 countries around the world, including South Africa. FAO supports governments by helping develop programmes and projects related to:
- Agriculture
- Food security
- Nutrition
- Forestry
- Fisheries
- Environmental sustainability
Their goal is to create a better future where people have access to food, better farming systems, and healthier lives.
Working for an organisation like FAO can help you gain valuable international work experience while also making a positive difference in society.
Office Assistant Job Details
Position: Office Assistant
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Job Type: Personal Services Agreement (PSA)
Duration: 11 Months
Closing Date: 29 May 2026
This position falls under the FAO South Africa office and will support the administration and operations team with daily office duties.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative for Administration.
What You Will Be Doing
As an Office Assistant, you will help keep the office organised, clean, professional, and running smoothly every day.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Filing and photocopying documents
- Managing office correspondence
- Helping organise meetings, workshops, and events
- Maintaining office supplies and inventory
- Assisting with data capturing and record keeping
- Supporting local travel arrangements and logistics
- Registering incoming and outgoing documents and parcels
- Helping staff retrieve important records and files
- Assisting visitors when they arrive at the UN House
- Supporting office activities, seminars, and training sessions
- Organising office materials and archives
This role is important because it helps ensure that the office operates efficiently and professionally at all times.
Minimum Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Completed High School Diploma or equivalent qualification
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in office support, cleaning, or facility maintenance
- Good working knowledge of English
- Must be a South African citizen or have a valid South African work permit
Applicants who have experience working in office environments or administrative support roles may have an advantage.
Skills and Qualities FAO Is Looking For
Good Communication Skills
You should be able to communicate clearly with staff members, visitors, and other stakeholders.
Reliability and Punctuality
FAO wants someone who arrives on time, follows instructions properly, and completes tasks responsibly.
Teamwork
You must be able to work well with other people and support different departments when needed.
Organisation Skills
Keeping files, records, and office materials organised is an important part of this role.
Physical Ability
Some tasks may involve lifting items, cleaning, or running errands, so applicants should be physically capable of handling these duties.
Professional Behaviour
Since this is an international organisation, professionalism and respectful conduct are very important.
FAO’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Food and Agriculture Organization encourages applications from people of different backgrounds, including women and persons living with disabilities.
The organisation believes in fairness, equal opportunity, and creating a respectful workplace for everyone.
FAO also follows strict professional standards and has zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, abuse of authority, or misconduct.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
There are many reasons why this job opportunity is special:
- It offers experience within a United Nations agency
- You get exposure to an international working environment
- You gain valuable office administration experience
- You work with professional teams and stakeholders
- It can improve your future career opportunities
Even though the role is temporary for 11 months, the experience you gain can help open doors for future jobs in administration, office support, or international organisations.
Important Things to Remember Before Applying
FAO carefully checks all applications and selected candidates will go through background and reference checks.
The organisation also treats all applications confidentially, so your personal information will remain protected during the recruitment process.
If you are serious about building your career and want to work in a respected professional environment, this opportunity could be worth applying for.
Apply Before the Deadline
Office support positions at international organisations usually receive many applications. If you meet the requirements, it is important to apply as early as possible.
Prepare a professional CV, make sure your information is accurate, and submit your application before the closing date of 29 May 2026.
This could be the opportunity that helps you gain valuable experience and take your career to the next level.
