Executive Associate, GS-6

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to influencing development narratives through evidence generation and advocacy, supported by partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and academia.

Job Overview:
The Executive Associate, GS-6, plays a crucial role in providing high-level executive and operational support to ensure the efficient functioning of the office under the supervision of the Head of Office. This position is pivotal in enabling senior leadership to focus on strategic priorities by managing day-to-day operations, communications, and administrative processes with professionalism and discretion. The Executive Associate will be a trusted partner to senior leadership, contributing directly to the effectiveness of UNICEF’s programs and operations. Responsibilities include delivering high-level administrative support, managing the supervisor’s calendar, meetings, travel, and correspondence, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. The role requires a proactive approach to managing multiple tasks and anticipating the needs of senior management, thereby facilitating timely decision-making and strong internal coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Executive Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: delivering high-level administrative and operational support to ensure smooth office functioning; providing comprehensive communications and correspondence support on behalf of the supervisor; managing the supervisor’s calendar, meetings, travel arrangements, and briefing materials; coordinating communications and following up on deadlines; representing the head of office on administrative matters; applying specialized administrative and operational procedures to support senior management; ensuring efficiency, accountability, and continuity of office operations; and contributing to the overall effectiveness of UNICEF’s programs and operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks proactively. A self-starter with a high level of initiative, confidence, and ownership of responsibilities is essential. Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment is required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to engage professionally with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy, are crucial for representing the supervisor effectively on administrative matters. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and corporate systems such as SharePoint and enterprise resource planning tools is required.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to administration, management, or a related field. This educational background is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the Executive Associate effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of six (6) years of relevant administrative, executive support, or clerical experience is required, preferably supporting senior-level managers. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and for providing the necessary support to senior leadership.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia is required for this position. Knowledge of other local languages, such as Mandarin, Tamil, and Hokkien, is considered an asset, as is knowledge of another official UN language. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication within the diverse environment of UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a dynamic and diverse environment. UNICEF promotes a culture of inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF is committed to safeguarding the rights of every child and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and compliance with inoculation requirements.