Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Central Africa Regional Office (CARO). The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, with a focus on ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their rights without discrimination. The organization works in various countries to support the implementation of international human rights standards and to assist governments in fulfilling their human rights obligations. The OHCHR operates in multiple regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and employs a diverse workforce committed to the mission of advancing human rights for all.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the operations of the OHCHR Central Africa Regional Office, specifically within the framework of the 'Coalition EPU Congo' project. This position involves a wide range of office support and administrative functions, including managing correspondence, organizing information, and ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring project outputs, preparing reports, and providing logistical support for meetings and events. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. The Administrative Assistant will also assist in data collection and analysis, contributing to effective decision-making and knowledge management within the office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Assistant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: performing a wide range of office support and administrative functions; drafting responses to routine correspondence; monitoring processes and schedules related to project outputs; verifying the accuracy of documents; compiling information for reports and work plans; generating statistical reports; providing secretarial and logistical support for meetings; maintaining calendars and schedules; processing mail and documents; updating distribution lists; performing general administrative tasks such as leave and attendance recording; maintaining files and databases; assisting with software and office equipment support; guiding less experienced staff; and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of three years of progressive experience in general office support, administrative services, or a related area is required. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to one year. Experience within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable, as is proficiency in office software packages such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like Umoja is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. While specific job-related qualifications are not detailed, candidates with higher education degrees may have an advantage in meeting the experience requirements. A first-level university degree or higher can reduce the required experience from three years to one year, indicating that educational background plays a significant role in the selection process.

Experience:
The role necessitates a minimum of three years of relevant experience in general office support or administrative services. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher can qualify with just one year of experience. Experience in the United Nations system or similar international organizations is preferred, highlighting the importance of familiarity with international administrative practices and protocols. Additionally, experience with office software and ERP systems is considered beneficial for this position.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in French is required, while English is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both languages according to the UN Language Framework, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This bilingual requirement reflects the diverse linguistic environment of the United Nations and the need for effective communication in both languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. External candidates selected for this job opening will receive a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, with renewal contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position may involve a probationary period of one year. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and is committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment for all employees. Additionally, the organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism in its hiring practices.