Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

United Nations Secretariat

December 4, 2025December 10, 2025CotonouBenin
United Nations Secretariat About
United Nations Secretariat is the executive arm and one of the major organs of the United Nations. It has an keyrole in agenda setting, decision making and decision implementaion. The Secretary-General is the head of the secretariat.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. The UN's 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 RCO in Benin supports the country in achieving its development priorities and the SDGs, under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking UN official in the country.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant position within the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Benin is a critical role that supports the operational and administrative functions of the office. The incumbent will report to the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office and will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include human resources management, budget and finance, general administration, logistics, contract administration, and coordination support. This position requires a proactive approach to managing administrative tasks and ensuring that the office operates smoothly and efficiently. The Administrative Assistant will play a key role in facilitating communication and coordination among various stakeholders, both within the UN system and with external partners. The role demands a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant include, but are not limited to:
  • Human Resources Management: Assisting in the recruitment of staff and consultants, managing service contracts, internships, and UN Volunteers.
  • Budget and Finance: Preparing and reviewing financial proposals, consolidating budgets, monitoring expenditures, and assisting in budget performance submissions.
  • General Administration and Logistics: Drafting correspondence, coordinating travel logistics, maintaining asset lists, and providing administrative support for events.
  • Contract Administration/Procurement: Supporting procurement projects, reviewing requirements and specifications, and managing contracts with external contractors.
  • Coordination Support: Providing secretariat support to the Operations Management Team, assisting in data collection and analysis, and preparing reports for decision-making.
  • Other related tasks as assigned by the Head of RCO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional certification or training in human resources, administration, finance, or related fields is highly desirable. The role requires a strong understanding of administrative functions and the ability to apply UN rules and regulations effectively. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates with additional certifications or training in areas such as human resources, administration, finance, or event organization will be given preference. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of administrative functions within the UN framework.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources, or a related area is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience with an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system, such as Umoja, is desirable, as is experience working with the United Nations or similar international organizations. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both English and French, as per the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a Temporary Job Opening with an appointment until 24 March 202
  • The position does not carry any expectancy of renewal and is subject to the availability of the post or funds. The recruitment is local, meaning candidates must be residents of Benin or within commuting distance. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.
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