Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and health policy development, with a commitment to achieving universal health coverage and addressing health inequities.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant will be an integral part of the Project Team, providing essential secretarial and administrative support for the EU project titled 'Social inclusion of persons with mental disabilities' in Turkey. This role involves drafting correspondence and documents based on prompts from professional staff, managing travel arrangements, and assisting with the administrative preparation of regional meetings and educational activities. The position requires a proactive approach to support the project’s objectives, which include enhancing mental health services and promoting social inclusion for individuals with mental disabilities. The Administrative Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining communication with various stakeholders, ensuring that all administrative processes are executed efficiently and in accordance with established procedures. This role is crucial for facilitating the smooth operation of the project and ensuring that the team can focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Assistant will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: drafting correspondence and documents based on written or verbal prompts from professional staff; composing and finalizing administrative correspondence; providing rough translations or synopses of incoming mail; taking notes during meetings; typing reports and other documentation; assisting with the administrative preparation and conduct of regional meetings and educational activities; making travel arrangements for duty travels; preparing approval memoranda and travel authorizations; processing agreements for consultants and temporary advisers; creating background files and compiling reference materials; accessing and retrieving information from relevant databases; responding to telephone inquiries; coordinating appointments for supervisors; providing guidance to staff on office practices; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess essential qualifications, including completion of secondary school or equivalent. Desirable qualifications include relevant higher education or post-secondary courses in a field related to the position. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in standard office computer software and have the ability to manage emotions effectively in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of secondary school completion. Candidates with relevant higher education or post-secondary courses in fields related to administration or health policy are preferred. The organization values educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in the secretarial or administrative field. Experience in an international environment or institution, particularly within WHO or the United Nations, is desirable. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage administrative tasks effectively and support project objectives.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English and Turkish. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is fluency in both English and Turkish to facilitate communication within the team and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including an annual net base salary starting at USD 18,436, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes 30 days of annual leave. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. The position is subject to local recruitment, and candidates must be located in the local commuting area of Ankara. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.