Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, and technical assistance to address development priorities and changing needs. The ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SOENEA) collaborates with countries including China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea, as well as Hong Kong and Macao, China. Additionally, it engages with the Russian Federation on technical cooperation matters and serves as the Secretariat for the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC).

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant position is located within the SOENEA and involves supporting the Senior Economic Affairs Officer and Deputy Head of the office. The role encompasses a variety of functions aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the office. The incumbent will assist in organizing significant events such as the annual subregional SDG Forum, which focuses on development cooperation and civil society engagement. The position requires a proactive approach to research, information compilation, and the organization of materials for reports and meetings. The Administrative Assistant will also provide logistical support for meetings, prepare presentation materials, and coordinate travel arrangements for participants. This role is critical in maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders, including media and other UN organizations, and in promoting the office's outreach activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a wide range of administrative and office support functions, including but not limited to: organizing events and meetings, compiling information for reports and studies, providing logistical support for conferences, preparing presentation materials, coordinating travel arrangements, maintaining files and databases, drafting responses to correspondence, liaising with stakeholders, and assisting in the preparation of outreach products. The role also involves maintaining the office's website and assisting with data collection and analysis for decision-making purposes. The Administrative Assistant will be expected to perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree in a relevant field such as economics, international relations, or social sciences is desirable. The position requires a strong understanding of general office and administrative support, as well as familiarity with administrative policies and procedures. Professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize tasks efficiently are essential qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma is required, and a first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of three years of experience. A degree related to economics, international relations, or social sciences is preferred, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the position and the mission of ESCAP.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of experience in general office support or a related area is required. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, only one year of experience is necessary. Desirable experience includes assisting in research and analysis on development topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), economics, and social issues. Experience in providing administrative support for international meetings and familiarity with the Northeast Asia region is also advantageous. Additionally, experience within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is preferred.

Languages:
English and Korean are required for this position, with a proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Desirable languages include Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, French, Arabic, and Spanish, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in South Korea. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.