Programme and Executive Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women has a unique capacity to support Member States in strengthening global norms for gender equality, promote coordination across the UN system, and undertake operational activities to translate global standards into local legislation and policies. Since its inception, UN Women has played a catalytic role in the State of Palestine, aligning its work with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework outcomes for 2023-2025.

Job Overview:
The Programme and Executive Assistant will provide comprehensive executive and administrative support to the Head of Office and the Deputy Special Representative (DSR) of UN Women in Palestine. This role involves coordinating meetings, managing schedules, drafting correspondence, and ensuring effective communication within the office and with external stakeholders. The assistant will also be responsible for organizing travel arrangements, maintaining confidential files, and supporting the preparation of reports and presentations. The position requires a proactive approach to managing tasks and ensuring that the office runs smoothly, with a focus on delivering high-quality administrative support. The assistant will work closely with various units within the Palestine Country Office to ensure consistent programming and administrative support, contributing to the overall mission of UN Women in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide executive support to the Head of Office and DSR, including coordinating meetings, drafting correspondence, arranging travel, and maintaining a network of contacts for effective liaison.
• Offer administrative support for meetings, events, and workshops, including preparing minutes, tracking progress on actions, and assembling briefing materials.
• Assist in programming and administrative tasks assigned by the Head of Office and DSR, such as preparing payment requests, managing budgets, and liaising with partners for event organization.
• Act as the secretary of the Local Project Appraisal Committee (L-PAC), coordinating document submissions and scheduling meetings.
• Contribute to knowledge building and sharing within the office, providing administrative support for effective knowledge management.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changing demands.

Required Qualifications:
Completion of secondary education is required, with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field being desirable. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Proficiency in computer applications, particularly Microsoft Office and web-based management systems, is essential. Experience in supporting senior management and diverse teams is also desirable, along with familiarity with UN operations and international NGOs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field being preferred. This educational background is essential for understanding the administrative and operational functions required in this role.

Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in administrative, secretarial, or program support roles is required. Experience in supporting senior management and working within diverse teams is desirable. Familiarity with UN operations or international NGOs is also beneficial. Proficiency in using computer applications and web-based management systems is necessary, with experience in modern ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, being an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves a significant level of responsibility and interaction with senior officials and stakeholders. The role requires a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.