Team Assistant

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 the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, and it plays a crucial role in the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division. The organization is committed to the principles of equality, justice, and dignity for all, and it operates in various countries around the world, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance human rights initiatives. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce dedicated to the mission of promoting human rights and addressing violations.

Job Overview:
The Team Assistant position is integral to the functioning of the Human Rights Council Branch within the OHCHR. The incumbent will provide essential administrative support to the Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch and the Secretary of the Human Rights Council, as well as the Secretary of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) working group. This role involves managing correspondence related to accreditation procedures for meetings, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements. The Team Assistant will also be responsible for preparing reports, organizing information, and providing logistical support for meetings and conferences. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: reviewing incoming correspondence regarding accreditation procedures and meeting requests; managing communication with permanent missions and civil society organizations; coordinating with the UNOG security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security section for processing accreditation requests; preparing statistical reports on participation in mandated meetings; drafting responses to routine correspondence; monitoring processes and schedules; researching and compiling information for reports and briefings; generating standard reports using databases; proofreading documents for accuracy; providing secretarial and administrative support for meetings; maintaining calendars and schedules; performing data entry and extraction; managing mail and document distribution; and assisting with general administrative tasks such as leave recording and budget follow-up. The role also includes providing guidance to less experienced staff and assisting with data collection and analysis for decision-making purposes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of three years of experience in general office support or a related area is required. However, this requirement is reduced to one year for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in servicing UN intergovernmental bodies and supporting the accreditation process for UN meetings is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in general office support or a related field. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the experience requirement is reduced to one year. Experience in providing support to UN intergovernmental meetings and the accreditation process is considered an asset, indicating that familiarity with UN operations is beneficial for this role.

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 for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also at UN Level III, indicating that while it is not mandatory, it is advantageous for candidates to possess strong skills in both languages to effectively communicate in a bilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months, with the possibility of extension, subject to the availability of funds. It is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Switzerland. Selected candidates from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The position may be limited to internal candidates, and applicants are encouraged to follow all instructions provided in the online recruitment platform. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable.