Operations Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the United Nations reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, with a significant presence in Afghanistan for over two decades, addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by Afghan women and girls amidst ongoing humanitarian crises. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering them, and ensuring their participation in development, human rights, and peace initiatives. UN Women has established sub-offices in five regions of Afghanistan to enhance its programming and advocacy efforts.

Job Overview:
The Operations Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the UN Women Sub-Office in Jalalabad by managing various operational, financial, and logistical activities. This position is essential for ensuring the smooth functioning of the office and the effective implementation of UN Women’s programs. The Operations Associate is expected to provide high-quality administrative support, maintain accurate records, and facilitate communication between the Sub-Office and the Country Office. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering results that align with UN Women’s mission of promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive administration and operations support to the Sub-Office, ensuring compliance with UN Women’s rules and regulations. This includes preparing program work plans, budgets, and proposals, and participating in review meetings to assess the operational capacities of implementing partners.
• Administer logistical and financial arrangements for meetings, workshops, and events, including travel arrangements for the Programme Team.
• Coordinate procurement processes, including preparing procurement plans, reviewing requests, and managing contract negotiations.
• Support knowledge sharing by organizing training sessions for staff and documenting lessons learned in administration and procurement.
• Maintain office supplies and manage inventory, ensuring that all procurement activities are conducted efficiently and transparently.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of administrative and procurement processes, with the ability to handle confidential information and manage a high volume of work. Proficiency in IT and web-based management systems is essential, along with strong analytical skills to interpret data effectively. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to UN Women’s core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.

Educational Background:
A minimum of secondary education is required, with a Bachelor's degree in Business, Administration, or Finance being highly desirable. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of administrative and operational functions within the organization.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, procurement, human resources, or logistics support services, preferably at both national and international levels. Experience with office software packages and web-based management systems is required, with familiarity in using modern ERP systems, such as Oracle Cloud, being an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in Dari and/or Pashto. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication within the diverse context of Afghanistan and for engaging with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is important for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification.