Staff Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in Africa. Its mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The ECA operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position at the global level. The organization is committed to addressing the continent's unique challenges and opportunities through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Staff Assistant position is located in the Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO/SA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The incumbent will manage the daily operations of the Director’s office, ensuring efficient flow of information and providing secretarial and document processing services. The role requires a proactive approach to administrative duties, including assisting in managing priorities and workflow, compiling and analyzing data, and serving as a communication link between the Director and senior staff. The Staff Assistant will also be responsible for time management and scheduling, representational duties, and organizing meetings and official receptions. This position demands a high level of professionalism, organizational skills, and the ability to handle complex information requests and inquiries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Assistant will perform a variety of duties, including: assisting in the overall administration of the department, providing substantive and administrative support, coordinating and monitoring activities, compiling and analyzing data, serving as a communications link, managing time and scheduling for the Director, undertaking representational duties, screening and prioritizing correspondence, researching and summarizing background materials, handling complex information requests, supporting the manager in presentations, establishing administrative procedures, coordinating work with Programme Assistants, organizing official receptions and meetings, preparing and processing confidential information, managing administrative processes, exercising quality control for outgoing documents, producing complex documents and reports, assisting with data analysis and presentations, and arranging travel logistics for the Director.

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. A minimum of seven years of experience in general office support or a related area is required, with experience in a larger office setting being preferred. The minimum experience requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable, as is experience working within the UN System or similar international organizations.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. A diploma or first-level degree in business administration, finance, economics, or related fields is considered desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with formal education in relevant areas that support the functions of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in general office support or a related area. This experience should ideally be in a larger office setting, dealing with various issues and modern office practices. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with five years of relevant experience. Additionally, at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable, as well as experience within the UN System or similar international organizations.

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, also requiring a proficiency level of UN Level II in all aspects. This bilingual requirement reflects the working environment of the United Nations, where effective communication in both languages is essential for collaboration and information sharing.

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 the General Service and related categories are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The evaluation process may include assessments and competency-based interviews, and all applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible.