Senior Executive Support Assistant

Senior Executive Support Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

January 6, 2026February 20, 2026New DelhiIndia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195
  • Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, and to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to millions of people worldwide. The organization works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to provide humanitarian aid and support to those in need, particularly in conflict and post-conflict situations. UNHCR's office in New Delhi focuses on the protection of refugees and asylum seekers in India, advocating for their rights and facilitating access to essential services and solutions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Executive Support Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Chief of Mission at UNHCR in New Delhi. This position involves a variety of administrative and secretarial tasks aimed at ensuring the efficient operation of the Executive Office. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the flow of information, drafting official correspondence, preparing background documents for meetings and missions, and following up on actions and commitments. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. The Senior Executive Support Assistant will also serve as a primary contact point for liaising with key government officials, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and coordination. The position demands excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as proficiency in MS Office Suite and familiarity with SharePoint. The incumbent will be expected to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the UNHCR's mission in India.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Executive Support Assistant include providing comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to the UNHCR Office. This involves arranging appointments and managing the supervisor's calendar, receiving visitors, screening telephone calls, and responding to queries with discretion. The incumbent will organize meetings, both internal and external, which may involve high-ranking officials, and take minutes or notes during these meetings. Additionally, the Senior Executive Support Assistant will draft correspondence, documents, and reports, some of which may be highly confidential. The role also includes managing the filing system for both electronic and hard copy documents, assisting in Human Resources tasks such as attendance records and travel arrangements, and preparing visit programs and briefing materials for missions. The incumbent will support the identification and management of risks and ensure that decision-making is informed by relevant information. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Executive Support Assistant position must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include proficiency in IT and computer literacy, as well as knowledge of UN/UNHCR administrative rules, regulations, and procedures. Strong drafting and documentation skills are also required, along with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. Familiarity with protocol procedures is considered a plus. The position is open only to Indian nationals, and candidates must demonstrate a commitment to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Executive Support Assistant position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum qualification. However, candidates with a Bachelor's degree or higher in fields such as Business Administration, Secretarial Studies, Office Management, or Human Resources will be preferred. Relevant certifications in these areas are also advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes at least 2 years of relevant administrative or secretarial experience for candidates with a High School Diploma. For those with a Bachelor's degree or higher, a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience is necessary. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing administrative tasks, coordinating communications, and providing support to senior officials or management teams. Experience in a UN or international organization is desirable but not mandatory.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in the local language, Hindi, is required to effectively communicate with local stakeholders and counterparts. Knowledge of other UN languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role and does not require a functional clearance. It is a full-time position based in New Delhi, India, and is open only to Indian nationals. The selected candidate will work from the UNHCR Office or other partner locations in New Delhi. The deadline for applications is January 19, 2026, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include a written test and an interview. The role is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category, indicating a level of responsibility and complexity in the tasks assigned.
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