Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of Administration of Justice, specifically in the Registry of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) in Geneva. The UNDT is responsible for hearing and deciding cases filed by or on behalf of current and former staff members who are appealing administrative decisions that are alleged to be in non-compliance with their terms of appointment or contract of employment. The UNDT conducts hearings, issues orders, and renders binding judgments, with both staff members and the Administration having the right to appeal these judgments to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant will provide a wide range of general office support and administrative assistance within the UNDT. This role involves handling complex inquiries from both internal and external parties, drafting correspondence, editing legal documents, and maintaining case files and databases. The incumbent will also assist in meeting arrangements, conduct basic research, and generate reports from various databases. The position requires a proactive approach to managing deadlines and ensuring that all documentation is accurately filed and tracked. The Administrative Assistant will also be responsible for training less experienced staff and assisting with data collection and analysis for reporting purposes. This role is crucial for the smooth operation of the Registry and requires a high level of professionalism and discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant include: handling complex verbal and written inquiries; drafting responses to routine correspondence; editing and checking legal documents for accuracy; maintaining files and databases; providing technical assistance for meeting arrangements; conducting basic research; maintaining internal databases for case tracking; generating statistical reports; processing mail and documents; following up on actions and deadlines; assisting in the maintenance of reference files; performing administrative duties such as processing travel requests; providing guidance and training to junior staff; assisting with data collection and analysis; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplemental training in paralegal studies, administration, or a related field is desirable. A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in paralegal work, conference servicing, or general office support is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience as a law clerk or court assistant in international organizations or large law firms is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related fields.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training in paralegal studies, administration, or a related area is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in paralegal work, conference servicing, or general office support. Candidates with a first-level university degree may qualify with five years of experience. Experience in judicial administration or as a law clerk in international organizations or large law firms is highly desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II. Other desirable languages include Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), and Arabic, also at varying levels of proficiency.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2026, without the possibility of extension. It is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in Switzerland. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.