Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of individuals are upheld and that governments are held accountable for their actions. The organization operates in various regions around the world, including the Americas, where it has established a Regional Hub to address human rights issues specific to that area. The OHCHR is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and employs a diverse workforce to reflect the global community it serves.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer position is a critical role within the OHCHR's Regional Hub for the Americas, located in Panama City, Panama. This position involves overseeing various administrative functions, including human resource management, budget and finance, and general administration. The Administrative Officer will coordinate human resource activities such as recruitment, onboarding, and performance appraisal, ensuring adherence to UN rules and procedures. Additionally, the role requires managing financial resources effectively, implementing the work programme, and ensuring compliance with UN financial policies. The Administrative Officer will also oversee procurement processes, office space requirements, and technology needs, ensuring that the office operates efficiently and effectively. This position demands a high level of professionalism, accountability, and client orientation, as the Administrative Officer will be expected to build productive partnerships with clients and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Coordinating human resource activities such as recruitment, onboarding, performance appraisal, and staff training, ensuring compliance with UN policies.
• Leading the implementation of the work programme and ensuring financial resources are utilized effectively in accordance with the Programme Budget.
• Defining requirements for budget reporting systems and working with systems units to improve these systems.
• Supervising financial administration and providing guidance to colleagues on financial management issues.
• Overseeing procurement processes, billing, and income receipt from services, as well as monitoring vendor contracts and payments.
• Reviewing office space requirements and identifying technology needs for the office.
• Performing other related administrative tasks as required to support the smooth operation of the office.

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 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 a commitment to gender equality in all areas of work. Strong planning and organizational skills are essential, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

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 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, or human resources management is required. Candidates should have experience providing administrative and HR advisory support to managers and staff, as well as managing budgets. Experience in implementing administrative and financial policies within the United Nations Secretariat or similar international organizations is desirable. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja, is also advantageous, along with two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related field.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required, with both languages being the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as outlined by the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates must be nationals of Panama, as this is a National Professional Officer category position. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization adheres to a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are advised to follow all instructions carefully during the application process.