Senior Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for South America, which is part of the United Nations system. The UN was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights focuses on the promotion and protection of human rights globally, operating in various countries to ensure adherence to international human rights standards. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide and is committed to upholding the principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Senior Administrative Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the administrative functions of the Regional Office for South America. This position involves a wide range of responsibilities, including human resources management, budget and finance oversight, general administration, and contract administration. The individual in this role will coordinate various human resource activities, ensuring compliance with UN rules and procedures, and will provide expert assistance in budget preparation and monitoring. The Senior Administrative Assistant will also be responsible for guiding and training other staff members, resolving issues as they arise, and liaising with various service units within the UN. This position requires a high level of professionalism, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while maintaining a focus on the organization's goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Administrative Assistant will be responsible for coordinating human resource activities, including recruitment, placement, performance appraisal, and training. They will oversee the maintenance of vacancy announcement files and process personnel actions through the Umoja system. In terms of budget and finance, the assistant will prepare and develop the unit's work programme and budget, monitor expenditures, and assist in the preparation of budget performance reports. General administrative duties include providing guidance to other staff, drafting agreements, and coordinating with service units. The role also involves contract administration, where the assistant will audit contractor invoices, process payments, and manage UN forms and permissions. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication skills to ensure smooth operations within the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher is preferred, which can reduce the required work experience. The position requires a minimum of ten years of experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources, or related areas. For candidates with a relevant degree, the experience requirement is reduced to eight years. Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is desirable, particularly in areas related to staffing, recruitment, and budget monitoring. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja, is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher are preferred, as this can lead to a reduction in the required years of relevant work experience. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to administration, finance, human resources, or a similar area that supports the functions of the role.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources, or related fields. This requirement is reduced to eight years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, at least three years of experience within the United Nations common system or a similar international organization is desirable. Candidates should also have experience with budget preparation and monitoring, as well as familiarity with UN rules and procedures regarding staffing and recruitment.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, according to the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Chile. The appointment may be extended based on the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and is committed to creating a respectful environment for all employees.