Associate Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Regional Hub for Central and West Africa (RHCWA) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The OHCHR was established to promote and protect human rights globally, and it operates in various countries to ensure adherence to international human rights standards. The organization focuses on providing support to governments and civil society in their efforts to uphold human rights, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Associate Administrative Officer plays a crucial role in the administrative functions of the Regional Hub for Central and West Africa. This position involves overseeing human resource administration, budget management, and general administrative duties. The officer will report directly to the Deputy Regional Director and will be responsible for ensuring that the unit's human resource activities are conducted in accordance with UN rules and procedures. The role requires a strong understanding of administrative policies and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. The officer will also be involved in planning and implementing business functions, monitoring budgets, and evaluating the effectiveness of administrative processes. This position is essential for maintaining the operational efficiency of the office and supporting the overall mission of the OHCHR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Administrative Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing human resource activities such as recruitment, placement, promotion, and performance appraisal; providing information on conditions of service and staffing needs; assisting in the development of the unit's work program and budget; monitoring budget allocations and reallocating resources as necessary; supervising support staff; performing procurement tasks including contract management; and participating in UN coordination platforms. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with financial regulations and administrative procedures, as well as contributing to the development of budgetary guidelines for the unit. Additionally, the officer will handle logistics tasks related to office activities and maintain oversight of operational travel programs and vendor payments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial, and human resources policies and procedures. They should demonstrate the ability to apply UN administrative rules and regulations effectively in various work situations. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical and evaluative skills, enabling them to conduct independent research and analysis. They should also exhibit professionalism, accountability, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a focus on gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, 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. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of administrative functions within the UN framework.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, accounting, human resources management, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Umoja or other SAP-based applications. Experience within the United Nations common system or a similar international organization is desirable, as it provides familiarity with the unique operational environment of the UN.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the extension of the appointment based on the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of Cameroon. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow the application instructions carefully.