Executive Assistant to the Executive Director

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Its mission is to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with various partners to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, engaging in numerous initiatives to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty through urbanization. The organization is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and has a significant presence in various countries around the world, focusing on urban development and human settlement issues.

Job Overview:
The Executive Assistant to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director plays a crucial role in supporting the Executive Director of UN-Habitat by managing communications, coordinating strategic priorities, and overseeing the preparation of briefing materials. The incumbent will work closely with senior management to identify emerging policy issues and ensure effective communication between the Executive Director and various divisions within UN-Habitat. This position requires a high level of professionalism, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. The Executive Assistant will also assist in planning and participating in key meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring follow-up actions are taken in a timely manner. The role is pivotal in facilitating the Executive Director's engagement with governments, delegations, and senior officials, thereby enhancing UN-Habitat's influence and effectiveness in addressing urbanization challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Executive Assistant include:

• Supporting and advising the Executive Director by coordinating communications, reviewing documents, and monitoring progress on various issues.
• Liaising with senior management and maintaining communication between the Executive Director and other offices.
• Managing the Executive Director's schedule, including appointments and travel arrangements.
• Preparing briefing materials for meetings and ensuring the Executive Director is well-prepared for engagements with senior officials and stakeholders.
• Drafting correspondence and managing confidential communications on behalf of the Executive Director.
• Analyzing political developments and providing recommendations to senior management.
• Coordinating the preparation of mission files and ensuring high-quality materials are submitted on time.
• Supporting the development and implementation of UN-Habitat's Programme of Work and engaging in relevant UN System-wide processes.
• Collecting and analyzing data to support decision-making and reporting. 1
• Performing any other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Chief of Staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge and understanding of political systems, institutions, and processes. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze issues, assist with data collection, and conduct independent research. Strong organizational skills, the ability to manage conflicting priorities, and effective communication skills are essential. The candidate should also show a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Professionalism, planning, and teamwork are key competencies required for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in business administration, management, law, political science, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional 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, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human settlements-related project or programme management, executive administration, or a related area is required. Candidates must have at least three years of relevant experience in an Executive Office of a Head of Entity within an international organization, as well as experience in international and multilateral relations. Additionally, three years of experience managing a busy front office is required. Experience within the United Nations common system or a similar international organization is desirable, along with two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related field.

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

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed-Term Limited Duration position, initially for one year, with the possibility of extension. The selected candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and candidates from underrepresented member states are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce, and female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.