Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognized as the leading global environmental authority. Established to set the global environmental agenda, UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. It serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization operates through various regional offices, including the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC), which plays a crucial role in implementing UNEP's programs by initiating, coordinating, and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental challenges, opportunities, and emergencies. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer position is pivotal within the UNEP's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC). The role involves direct supervision by the Regional Director and Representative, focusing on a range of administrative functions. The officer will be responsible for human resource management, budget and finance oversight, and general administration. This includes initiating and coordinating human resource activities such as recruitment, performance appraisal, and compliance with UN Staff Rules. The officer will also manage budgetary allocations, ensuring effective utilization of resources and adherence to financial policies. Furthermore, the role requires the implementation of support services, supervision of administrative staff, and strategic operational support to the Americas Administrative Hub. The Administrative Officer will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, diversity, and inclusion within the organization, ensuring that gender and equity considerations are integrated into all HR processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Officer include:

• Human Resource Management: Initiating and coordinating recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, and training while ensuring compliance with UN policies. Serving as a senior advisor on conditions of service and HR risk management.
• Budget and Finance: Conducting studies to improve budget reporting systems, monitoring budgetary allocations, and drafting reports. Establishing sound policies for financial management and control.
• General Administration: Implementing support services, supervising a team, and ensuring compliance with UNEP procedures. Leading efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making.
• Strategic Support: Providing administrative, human resources, procurement, budget, and financial services to the Americas Administrative Hub.
• Other Duties: Undertaking additional responsibilities as assigned by the Regional Director, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of administrative, budgetary, financial, and human resources policies and procedures. They should demonstrate the ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations effectively. Strong analytical and evaluative skills are essential for conducting independent research and analysis. The candidate should also exhibit a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work. Professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and client orientation are critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, reflecting the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making in administrative roles.

Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, accounting, or human resources management is required. Candidates should have working experience at the international level, particularly within the United Nations or comparable international organizations. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, is essential. Familiarity with complex organizational issues at the international level, as well as experience in programme/project management and administrative/financial policies within the UN, is desirable. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area is preferred.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required, with both languages being the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as outlined by the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days and may be subject to extension. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment provides an opportunity for the successful applicant to gain new work experience but does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. The position may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.