Executive Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to promote the rights and well-being of every child, particularly the most disadvantaged. UNICEF focuses on providing assistance in areas such as health, education, and protection, ensuring that children can fulfill their potential. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, dedicated to advocating for children's rights and implementing programs that support their development and welfare.

Job Overview:
The Executive Assistant position at UNICEF involves providing essential administrative support to the Programme Specialist, particularly in facilitating the inclusion of staff with disabilities. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication skills, as the assistant will be responsible for various tasks that enhance the working environment for visually impaired individuals. This includes guiding visually impaired persons, assisting with correspondence, converting materials into accessible formats, and supporting the preparation of presentations and workshops. The assistant will also manage the Programme Specialist's calendar and contact database, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the team. The expected outcomes of this role include improved mobility support, timely document preparation, and successful organization of meetings and workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Executive Assistant include:

• Providing mobility and orientation support to visually impaired individuals in various environments.
• Assisting with reading and writing tasks, including correspondence and signage interpretation.
• Converting inaccessible materials into accessible formats.
• Preparing and editing PowerPoint presentations and other documents.
• Supporting the organization of workshops and meetings, including material distribution and documentation.
• Maintaining and updating the Programme Specialist's contact database and calendar.
• Accompanying the Programme Specialist to meetings and events, both nationally and internationally.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned by the Programme Specialist to ensure effective inclusion and support for staff with disabilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Certificate or Diploma in social sciences or a related technical field. A minimum of four years of proven experience as an executive assistant or in a similar administrative support role is required. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in the entire MS Office suite and possess strong organizational skills to prioritize daily workloads effectively. A proactive approach to problem-solving and strong decision-making abilities are essential, along with professional-level verbal and written communication skills. Experience working with persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a Certificate or Diploma in social sciences or a related technical field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the social dynamics and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in a professional setting.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience as an executive assistant or in a similar administrative support role. This experience should include working in fast-paced environments where the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities is crucial. Familiarity with the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse environment of UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a contract duration that extends until March 8, 2026, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time, requiring the candidate to be available for three days a week to provide mobility support and assistance. Candidates must submit a financial proposal that includes their monthly rate expressed in Kenya Shillings, as applications without a fee/rate will not be considered. The selected candidate will not be considered a staff member under UN regulations and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance coverage. UNICEF is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.