Senior Executive Associate to the Director General

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision is to create a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in a healthy and inclusive environment, living by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, ensuring that they are equipped to deliver effective humanitarian assistance globally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Executive Associate to the Director General plays a crucial role in managing the front office of the Director General at the African Risk Capacity (ARC), a specialized agency of the African Union. This position requires a proactive individual who can enhance the smooth running of the office by providing comprehensive business support and ensuring effective communication flow. The Senior Executive Associate will be responsible for identifying and responding to evolving business needs, managing sensitive correspondence, and overseeing resource management. The role demands a high level of initiative, judgment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with various stakeholders. The incumbent will also conduct research, prepare reports, and facilitate the work of the Director General's office, ensuring adherence to established rules and procedures while recommending improvements to business processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide dedicated executive assistant support to the Director General, ensuring effective functioning of business operations.
• Coordinate and provide a full range of support services, including follow-up actions and resolution of issues, to enhance business operations.
• Supervise and support the work of other support staff, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
• Regularly monitor and adapt existing procedures, collaborating with stakeholders to meet evolving business needs.
• Manage office communications, acting as an escalation point for complex queries to ensure priorities are addressed.
• Prepare and consolidate comprehensive reports, documentation, and correspondence, conducting necessary research.
• Monitor and evaluate budgets to ensure effective use of financial resources.
• Recommend improvements to procedures and practices to enhance business support services.
• Oversee the maintenance of records and databases for efficient information management. 1
• Collaborate with various individuals to understand business needs and respond effectively.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the completion of secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a related functional area being preferred. Candidates must have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant business stream, particularly in senior administrative roles. Experience in managing a front office is essential, along with a strong understanding of administrative rules and procedures. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and demonstrate the ability to analyze financial data and monitor budgets effectively. Additionally, experience in supervising and training staff is required, along with the ability to assert opinions and persuade others through logical arguments.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary school education, with a post-secondary certificate in a relevant functional area being advantageous. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates possess the foundational knowledge required for the administrative and business support functions of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant business stream, with a strong emphasis on senior administrative work. Experience in managing a front office is a critical requirement, as the role involves high-level administrative responsibilities and the need for independent decision-making in complex situations.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and French are mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C. Additionally, a working knowledge of another official language, such as Arabic or Portuguese, would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The role involves a seniority level that requires a high degree of responsibility and independence. The World Food Programme is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse candidates. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, which will be detailed in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is also dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.