Senior Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental sustainability and advocacy. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, and works collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Senior Administrative Officer will be responsible for leading policy development and providing advisory services to senior leadership within UNEP. This role involves ensuring coordinated, client-centric service delivery across UNEP Divisions and other entities. The incumbent will execute the implementation and training on updated Delegation of Authority frameworks, advise on strategy and risk management, and oversee the development of performance indicators and reporting tools. The position requires high-level engagement with various UNEP entities to align with UN Secretariat priorities and enhance knowledge management on administrative matters. The role also includes providing strategic leadership across administrative functions, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with environmental and operational standards. The Senior Administrative Officer will coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure integrated service delivery and strengthen partnerships across the UN system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Administrative Officer include leading policy development and advising senior leadership on strategic management issues, executing training on Delegation of Authority frameworks, overseeing the development of dashboards and reporting tools, maintaining high-level engagement with UNEP entities, providing strategic leadership across administrative functions, managing audits and compliance, coordinating with various stakeholders for integrated service delivery, strengthening partnerships across the UN system, and managing and developing staff. The incumbent will also be responsible for streamlining policies and procedures, enhancing efficiency, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and client satisfaction. Additionally, the role involves monitoring compliance with UN rules and standards, preparing policy briefs and analytical reports, and leading change management initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as general administration, facilities management, environmental management, contract management, and risk management. A demonstrated five years of experience within the United Nations System or similar international organization is required, particularly in developing and implementing frameworks for administrative decision-making authority. Experience in providing strategic advice to senior officials, managing corporate-level Service Level Agreements, and drafting reports for legislative bodies is also essential. Candidates should have a strong understanding of administrative management and experience with ERP systems and data analytical tools.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or related areas is required. A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. Supplementary training or professional certification in project management, public administration, or supply chain management is also advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in at least three of the specified areas, with a strong emphasis on experience within the United Nations System or similar international organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing frameworks for administrative decision-making and providing strategic advice to senior officials. Experience in managing Service Level Agreements and drafting reports for legislative review is crucial, along with familiarity with administrative management and ERP systems.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for a period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term, and external candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to apply online as soon as possible.