Associate Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Its mission is to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working collaboratively with various partners to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, with a significant presence in Afghanistan, where it has been active for over 30 years, focusing on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and improving living conditions in urban areas. The organization is committed to reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty through its initiatives, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where many people are displaced and living in inadequate conditions. UN-Habitat's Afghanistan office is part of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and aligns its projects with the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plans. The office has recently outlined its strategic priorities for 2026-2027, focusing on community-driven and area-based approaches to urban development.

Job Overview:
The Associate Administrative Officer position is crucial for the effective management of human resources, budget, and administrative functions within UN-Habitat Afghanistan. The role involves overseeing human resource activities such as recruitment, performance appraisal, and training, ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations. The officer will also assist in developing the unit's work program and budget, monitor financial resources, and ensure adherence to donor agreements and UN policies. Additionally, the position requires the supervision of support staff and the improvement of business processes within the office. The Associate Administrative Officer will report directly to the Country Programme Manager and will play a key role in supporting the implementation of UN-Habitat's strategic objectives in Afghanistan, particularly in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the needs of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Administrative Officer include:

• Human Resource Management: Overseeing recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, and training activities; ensuring consistency in applying UN rules and procedures; providing information on staffing needs and conditions of service; coordinating with UNOPS and third-party contractors on staff issues.
• Budget and Finance: Assisting in the development of the unit's work program and budget; monitoring budget allocations and compliance with donor agreements; supporting the implementation of financial procedures and systems; contributing to the development of budgetary guidelines.
• General Administration: Supervising support staff; ensuring compliance with corporate information management; collecting and analyzing data for decision-making; documenting requirements for data analysis; performing other related administrative duties as required, such as operational travel programs and procurement planning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of administrative, budgetary, financial, and human resources policies and procedures. They should demonstrate the ability to apply various UN administrative rules and regulations in work situations, possess conceptual analytical and evaluative skills for independent research and analysis, and have the ability to identify issues and formulate recommendations. A commitment to gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is essential. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, teamwork, and accountability in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Proven experience in data collection and analysis for evidence-based decision-making is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in administration, human resources, budget and finance, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience working with relevant UN Departments or similar organizations, including experience in fund or program management and interagency teams. Experience in formulating work programs and budget planning for UN or similar international organizations is also required. Familiarity with multicultural environments and experience in responding to audit questions and implementing recommendations is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, either Dari or Pashto is required, also at UN Level II proficiency. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they are essential for working in the Afghan context.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. It is open to nationals of Afghanistan only, and candidates must be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Afghan nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the understanding that they will be responsible for any travel and relocation costs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must ensure that their application is complete and up to date, as this information is critical for the hiring manager's assessment.