Associate 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 respected and upheld, providing support to various countries in implementing human rights standards. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on various human rights issues and providing assistance to governments and civil society. The OHCHR aims to promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and it engages in advocacy, capacity building, and monitoring of human rights situations.

Job Overview:
The Associate Administrative Officer position is crucial for the effective functioning of the OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia, located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of administrative functions that support the office's mission. This includes project coordination, human resource management, budget and finance oversight, and general administration. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that project activities are well-coordinated and that administrative processes are efficient and compliant with UN regulations. The Associate Administrative Officer will work closely with the Regional Representative and Deputy Regional Representative, contributing to the overall strategic goals of the office. The position demands a strong understanding of administrative policies and procedures, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while maintaining a high level of professionalism.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Administrative Officer include:

• Project Coordination: Supporting the coordination of project activities by ensuring timely administrative and logistical arrangements, maintaining schedules, documentation, and tracking tools.
• Human Resource Management: Administering human resource activities such as recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, and training, ensuring adherence to UN rules and procedures.
• Budget and Finance: Assisting in the development of work programs and budgets, monitoring budget allocations, and supporting the implementation of financial databases.
• General Administration: Supervising support staff, managing operational travel programs, monitoring accounts, and ensuring the maintenance of office technology and equipment.
• Additional Administrative Duties: Performing other related administrative tasks as required, contributing to 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 conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, as well as the ability to identify issues and formulate opinions. Professionalism, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills are essential for success in this role. The candidate should also show a commitment to 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 area 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 to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the duties of the position effectively.

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 using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as UMOJA or a similar system. Experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable, as is experience in procurement, contract management, and grants management. Additionally, experience in recruitment and the administration of consultant or personnel contracts is beneficial for this role.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Russian is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. Knowledge of Kirghiz is desirable, which would enhance communication within the local context and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funding and the extension of the mandate. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of Kyrgyzstan. The appointment is limited to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and external candidates selected will receive a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity. The renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process.