UN Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System, which includes the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), was reformed in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN RCOs support countries in their development priorities and are led by independent UN Resident Coordinators, who are the highest-ranking UN officials at the country level. The UN employs thousands of staff across various countries, working in diverse fields to fulfill its mission and objectives.

Job Overview:
The UN Administrative Assistant position is based in the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The role involves providing comprehensive administrative support to the office, ensuring the smooth operation of human resources management, budget and finance, general administration, and contract administration. The Administrative Assistant will report directly to the Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office and will play a crucial role in facilitating the office's functions and supporting the UN's mission in the country. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve the office's objectives. The Administrative Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining effective communication within the office and with external partners, ensuring that all administrative processes are carried out in accordance with UN rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing human resources activities such as recruitment, placement, and performance appraisal; responding to staff inquiries regarding entitlements and administrative procedures; overseeing vacancy announcements and personnel actions; assisting in budget preparation and monitoring expenditures; drafting correspondence related to administrative and financial matters; coordinating with service units and internal team members; guiding and supervising junior staff; collecting and analyzing data for reports; serving as the security focal point for the office; and managing contracts with external service providers. The role requires a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a client-oriented approach.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a relevant first-level university degree being acceptable in lieu of two years of required experience. Additional certifications in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, or human resources are desirable. The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, or human resources. Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, such as Umoja, is desirable, as is experience working with the United Nations or similar international organizations. Candidates should also have at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. A relevant first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience. Additional certifications in areas such as administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, or human resources are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources, or a related area. Candidates with experience in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, such as Umoja, will have an advantage. Additionally, experience working with the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable, as is at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related field.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. According to the UN Language Framework, candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency (UN Level II) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position, initially for one year, with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The appointment is on a local basis, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the Dominican Republic. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce, and all staff members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.