Senior Administrative Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs more than 18,000 staff members globally. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of international protection and humanitarian assistance, focusing on providing life-saving support and advocating for durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior Administrative Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the administrative and resource management tasks within the UNHCR office. This position requires a high level of independence in handling regular assignments while receiving oversight from a supervisor. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the office operates smoothly by providing timely administrative support in both general and specialized areas. The role involves analyzing the workflow of the office, participating in the recruitment and training of General Service staff, and ensuring a healthy and safe working environment. The Senior Administrative Associate will also be involved in advising senior staff on office management and administrative matters, preparing reports and correspondence, and managing risks associated with administrative functions. This position is essential for maintaining the operational efficiency of the office and supporting the overall mission of UNHCR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Administrative Associate include assisting the supervisor in providing necessary resources for day-to-day activities, ensuring a safe and respectful working environment, analyzing office workflows, participating in recruitment and training of staff, supervising support staff, briefing international personnel on administrative matters, advising senior staff, arranging meetings, preparing correspondence and reports, managing risks, and performing other related duties as required. The incumbent will also be responsible for evaluating the work of subordinates and ensuring compliance with UNHCR policies and procedures. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks and opportunities that impact the objectives of the office.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Administrative Associate position include a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential functional skills include computer literacy, drafting and documentation, and knowledge of UNHCR administrative rules and procurement procedures. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of administrative processes and possess the ability to work independently while adhering to organizational policies.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Senior Administrative Associate position should have a High School Diploma as a minimum educational requirement. A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Office Management, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred. Relevant certifications in these areas are also beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application. Continuous professional development through UNHCR learning programs or specific training related to the functions of the position is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in administrative roles within international organizations, particularly in the context of humanitarian work, is highly valued. Familiarity with UNHCR's operational context and administrative procedures will be advantageous for candidates.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is also required. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is essential. Familiarity with local languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local partners and authorities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS7 level and is temporary, with a target start date of January 2, 2026, and an end date of April 30, 202

• The role is family-type and is located in Dakar, Senegal. The position does not require functional clearance and is open to both national and international candidates. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UNHCR policies, and the organization emphasizes a commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment for all staff members.