Staff Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs of the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 and aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various missions and functions.

Job Overview:
The Staff Assistant will play a crucial role in providing administrative and substantive support to the Chief of Office in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. This position requires the ability to manage priorities and workflows effectively, ensuring that management directives are executed efficiently. The Staff Assistant will be responsible for coordinating diverse activities, managing correspondence, and assisting with human resources matters. The role demands a high level of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle complex information requests. The incumbent will also represent the manager in various capacities, making it essential to maintain strong communication with senior officials both internally and externally. The position requires a proactive approach to time management and scheduling, as well as the ability to prioritize tasks and resolve conflicts that may arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: assisting in the overall administration of the department, providing substantive and administrative support, managing correspondence for the Chief of Office, overseeing the work of office support staff, preparing and processing confidential information, and ensuring quality control for outgoing documents. The incumbent will also be tasked with managing internal databases, generating reports, and maintaining departmental listings. Additional responsibilities include screening and prioritizing incoming correspondence, compiling relevant background documents, and independently handling complex information requests. The Staff Assistant will also undertake representational duties on behalf of the manager and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience in using integrated information management systems, such as Inspira or Umoja, is required. The role also necessitates experience in handling confidential correspondence and supporting senior officials in a front office setting. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in general office support or a related area is required, which can be reduced to 5 years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have their required years of experience reduced, indicating that higher education is valued and can enhance a candidate's eligibility.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in general office support or a related area. This experience should include familiarity with integrated information management systems and handling confidential correspondence. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to 5 years, highlighting the importance of relevant educational qualifications in the selection process.

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 also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates should consult the UN Language Framework for detailed language requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed through extra budgetary resources until 31 December 2026, and the appointment is subject to the availability of funds. The role is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Staff members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and the United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and the organization emphasizes the importance of geographical diversity in its recruitment process. The position may involve periodic movement to new functions in accordance with established rules.