Staff Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering innovative ideas and actions aimed at empowering and transforming Africa. Established to support the continent's development, ECA focuses on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a mission that emphasizes advancing knowledge, economic diversification, innovative financing, and addressing regional challenges, all while advocating for Africa's position on global governance issues. ECA is a prominent institution with a significant presence across various African nations, contributing to the continent's socio-economic development through research, policy formulation, and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The Staff Assistant position is situated within the Office of the Director of the Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD) at ECA. The role is pivotal in providing comprehensive administrative and substantive support to the Director and the division. The Staff Assistant will manage the Director's calendar, prioritize tasks, and ensure effective communication between the Director and senior staff. This position requires a proactive approach to handling diverse activities, maintaining workflow, and ensuring timely delivery of products. The Staff Assistant will also be responsible for organizing meetings, preparing reports, and managing confidential information, thereby playing a crucial role in the smooth operation of the division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: assisting in the overall administration of the Front Office, providing substantive and administrative support, coordinating activities, and ensuring management directives are executed. The role involves serving as a communication link, managing the Director's calendar, and prioritizing correspondence. The Staff Assistant will also conduct research, compile background materials for reports and presentations, and handle complex information requests. Additionally, the position requires organizing official receptions and meetings, managing administrative processes, and exercising quality control over outgoing documents. The Staff Assistant will also maintain internal databases and assist in data collection and analysis for decision-making purposes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a diploma or first-level degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related fields being desirable. The role requires a minimum of seven years of experience in general office support or a related area, which can be reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in data analytics or within an international NGO or United Nations System Entity is also desirable. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and a client-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a high school diploma as a minimum. A diploma or first-level degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Finance, or Economics is preferred. This educational background is essential for understanding the administrative and operational functions of the role, as well as for engaging with the diverse tasks that the Staff Assistant will be responsible for.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in general office support or a related area. However, this requirement is reduced to five years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related field, with preference given to those who have worked in an international NGO or a United Nations System Entity, highlighting the importance of familiarity with international administrative procedures.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, with a recommended proficiency level of UN Level I. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Staff members in this category are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations emphasizes gender equality and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process will involve an assessment exercise and possibly a competency-based interview. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible and ensure their profiles are complete and up to date.