Senior Staff Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the front office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to maintaining international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promoting sustainable development, and upholding human rights. The UN was established in 1945 and operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of individuals across various sectors. The mission of the UN is to foster international cooperation and to address global challenges through collective action.

Job Overview:
The Senior Staff Assistant plays a crucial role in providing high-quality administrative and management support to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG). This position requires the incumbent to manage the daily agenda of the SRSG, ensuring that appointments and commitments are organized and prioritized effectively. The Senior Staff Assistant will also be responsible for coordinating visits from high-ranking officials, managing travel arrangements, and compiling briefing materials for meetings and missions. The role demands a proactive approach to anticipate the needs of the SRSG and to facilitate the smooth operation of the office. The incumbent must maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism while handling correspondence and administrative tasks. This position is integral to the effective functioning of the SRSG's office, requiring a strong commitment to organizational goals and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Staff Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: organizing and managing the SRSG's daily agenda, coordinating high-level visits, making travel arrangements, compiling briefing materials, maintaining correspondence and filing systems, drafting routine correspondence, providing administrative support for recruitment processes, supervising drivers, monitoring staff attendance, taking notes during meetings, and maintaining confidentiality in all tasks. The incumbent will also be expected to perform any other duties as assigned by the SRSG, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional technical training in secretarial or administration being highly desirable. A minimum of eight years of work experience is required, with at least seven years in progressively responsible roles in secretarial, administration, or related fields. Experience in performing administrative functions for senior officials, particularly within the UN system, is essential. Proficiency in MS Office applications and other IT tools is required, along with a strong understanding of UN operations and protocol matters.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training in secretarial or administrative functions is highly desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who have pursued further education or specialized training in relevant fields.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of eight years of work experience, with at least seven years in progressively responsible positions related to secretarial or administrative functions. Experience working in the front office of senior UN officials is particularly valuable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the unique demands and protocols of the UN environment. Proficiency in various IT applications and database management is also required, along with a strong background in handling administrative tasks for high-ranking officials.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, as it is one of the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. While French is also a working language, it is not specified as a requirement for this job opening. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English, particularly in written and verbal communication, as this is essential for effective interaction within the UN framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves a significant level of responsibility and independence. The incumbent will be expected to maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality in all aspects of their work. The role may involve interactions with international personnel and requires a strong understanding of diplomatic protocols. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards, and the position may involve working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.