Administrative Officer

Administrative Officer

United Nations University (UNU)

October 8, 2025November 22, 2025KualalumpurMalaysia
United Nations University (UNU) About
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organisation headquartered in Japan. The mission of the UN University is to contribute, through collaborative research and education, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. In carrying out this mission, the UN University works with leading universities and research institutes in UN Member States, functioning as a bridge between the international academic community and the United Nations system. Through postgraduate teaching activities, UNU contributes to capacity building, particularly in developing countries.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development, and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Established over four decades ago, UNU has become a prominent think tank for impartial research on critical global issues such as human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With a workforce of more than 400 researchers across 12 countries, UNU's work encompasses the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization maintains over 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions worldwide, reflecting its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer position at the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) in Kuala Lumpur is a pivotal role that involves ensuring the smooth operation of the Director's office. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day activities, managing information flow, and maintaining confidentiality in all communications. This role requires close collaboration with colleagues from UNU Centre (Headquarters) to facilitate efficient operations and timely delivery of products. The Administrative Officer will also serve as a communications link, liaising with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and other institutions, to prepare contributions for UN reports and coordination mechanisms. The position demands a proactive approach to managing the Director's calendar, scheduling appointments, and organizing meetings and receptions. Additionally, the officer will support the drafting of high-quality speeches and presentations, conduct background research, and compile data for analysis, all while ensuring adherence to protocol and quality control standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Officer will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:
  • Coordinating day-to-day operations of the Office of the Director, ensuring management directives are executed effectively.
  • Collaborating with UNU Centre to facilitate information flow and action on directives.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and protocol procedures in all communications.
  • Serving as a communications link, conveying important information to relevant personnel.
  • Liaising with UN and other institutions for contributions to reports and coordination mechanisms.
  • Supporting the drafting of speeches, presentations, and written materials for the Director.
  • Coordinating preparations for high-level panels and media engagements.
  • Compiling and analyzing data from various sources for review by the Directorate.
  • Managing the Director's calendar and scheduling appointments. 1
  • Arranging meetings and receptions, including administrative requests. 1
  • Handling complex information requests and inquiries. 1
  • Acting as travel liaison for the Director and managing travel arrangements. 1
  • Assisting in administrative support for staff meetings and project planning. 1
  • Performing other duties as assigned by the Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public health, global health, health policy, or a related field relevant to the Institute's mission. Additionally, a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in global health or health policy is required, with demonstrated expertise in policy communication and advocacy. Exceptional writing and editing skills in English are essential, particularly in drafting speeches or talking points for senior leadership. A strong understanding of global health governance and sustainable development frameworks, especially the SDGs, is necessary. Candidates should exhibit leadership and problem-solving skills, along with proficiency in MS Office applications and experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The ability to manage a high volume of work under time constraints and to build effective relationships with clients is crucial.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in public health, global health, health policy, or a related discipline that aligns with the mission and operations of the UNU-IIGH. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of global health issues and contributing effectively to the Institute's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience in global health, health policy, or multilateral settings. This experience should include a demonstrated ability in policy communication and advocacy, as well as familiarity with UN operations and administrative procedures. Experience in drafting complex reports and communications is also required, along with the ability to manage diverse activities and work processes effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia and/or any other United Nations official languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a national Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract, with a competitive compensation package that includes a monthly net salary of RM6,899.58, 30 days of annual leave, and a health insurance scheme. The initial contract duration is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. Candidates must be Malaysian residents holding a valid passport or identity card, or a valid Resident Permit to work and live in Malaysia. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted via the provided link, including a completed UNU P11 Form and a motivation statement. The application deadline is set for 19 October 2025 at 11:59 PM MYT.
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