Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to governments and civil society in their efforts to implement human rights standards. The organization operates in various countries around the world, employing a diverse workforce committed to the mission of promoting human rights for all individuals. The OHCHR is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that respects diversity and encourages the participation of all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer position within the OHCHR is a critical role that involves overseeing various administrative functions, including human resources management, budget and finance, and general administration. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating human resource activities such as recruitment, placement, and performance appraisal, ensuring adherence to UN rules and procedures. Additionally, the role requires the preparation and implementation of work programmes, monitoring financial resources, and ensuring effective utilization of the budget. The Administrative Officer will also oversee procurement processes, manage departmental space requirements, and analyze data to support decision-making. This position demands a high level of professionalism, teamwork, and organizational skills, as the incumbent will work closely with colleagues to achieve the organization's goals and objectives.

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

• Coordinating human resource management activities, including recruitment, placement, promotion, and training, ensuring compliance with UN regulations.
• Supporting the preparation and implementation of work programmes and budgets, monitoring financial resources, and conducting regular reviews to assess progress.
• Overseeing procurement processes, including billing and income receipt, and evaluating vendor contracts.
• Managing departmental space requirements and identifying office technology needs.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for planning and reporting.
• Providing guidance and leadership to junior staff and ensuring effective communication within the team.
• Performing other related duties as required to support the overall functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of administrative, budgetary, financial, and human resources policies and procedures. They should demonstrate the ability to apply UN administrative rules in various work situations and possess analytical skills for independent research and evaluation. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Candidates should exhibit professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or a related field 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. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, accounting, or human resources management is required. Candidates should have at least three years of experience working within the United Nations Common System or a similar international organization. Experience in coordinating administrative support for rapid response or emergency deployments is essential, as is experience in preparing budgets for grant proposals. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is also required, along with experience in handling administrative functions related to human resources management.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required at UN Level III, which indicates a high level of fluency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There are no additional desirable languages specified for this role, but knowledge of French may be beneficial given the bilingual nature of the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role within the United Nations framework, and candidates from under-represented member states are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process will include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The organization emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, and candidates will be subject to reference checks to verify their qualifications and background.