Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically at the Regional Hub for East and Southern Africa in Pretoria, South Africa. The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, working to ensure that international human rights standards are upheld. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on the implementation of human rights treaties and the promotion of fundamental freedoms. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, emphasizing the importance of gender balance and the representation of various backgrounds within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer plays a crucial role in the effective administration of human resources, budget, finance, and general administration within the OHCHR. This position requires a strong understanding of UN policies and procedures, as the officer will coordinate human resource activities such as recruitment, onboarding, performance appraisal, and staff well-being. The officer will also lead the implementation of the work programme, ensuring that financial resources are utilized efficiently and in accordance with the Programme Budget. The role involves overseeing procurement, billing, and the management of office technology needs, making it essential for the officer to possess excellent organizational and planning skills. The Administrative Officer will work closely with the Regional Representative and provide guidance to junior staff, ensuring that all administrative functions align with the strategic goals of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating human resource management activities, ensuring compliance with UN rules and procedures; leading budget implementation and financial resource management; defining requirements for budget reporting systems; supervising financial administration and management information practices; overseeing procurement processes and vendor contracts; managing operational travel programs; reviewing office space requirements; identifying and maintaining office technology needs; and performing other related administrative tasks as required. The officer will also be expected to provide leadership and guidance to junior staff, ensuring that all activities are conducted efficiently and effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of administrative, budgetary, financial, and human resources policies and procedures. They should demonstrate the ability to apply UN administrative rules and regulations in various work situations. The ideal candidate will have conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, as well as the ability to identify issues and formulate recommendations. Professionalism, accountability, client orientation, and the ability to work under pressure are essential qualities for this role. Additionally, candidates should be committed to incorporating gender perspectives in their work and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of administrative and financial management within the UN framework.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, accounting, human resources management, or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience in providing administrative and HR advisory support to managers and staff, as well as managing budgets. Experience in implementing administrative and/or financial policies within the United Nations Secretariat or similar international organizations is desirable. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja, and experience in data analytics or related fields are also advantageous.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French or Portuguese is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. Proficiency in multiple languages is beneficial for effective communication within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This position is categorized under the National Professional Officer category, meaning candidates must be nationals of South Africa. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.