Staff Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the regional political-operational structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), specifically in the Northern Africa Division. This division is responsible for monitoring and reporting on significant developments in the countries it oversees, and it recommends actions to address related challenges, risks, and threats. The organization aims to promote peace and stability in the region through effective political engagement and operational support.

Job Overview:
The Staff Assistant will play a crucial role in providing comprehensive administrative support to the Northern Africa Division. This position requires the ability to perform a wide range of office management tasks with minimal supervision. The Staff Assistant will be responsible for coordinating leave plans, organizing meetings, making reservations, and managing office supplies and equipment orders. Additionally, the role involves preparing and processing various administrative requests and documents, such as travel requests, expense claims, and visa applications. The Staff Assistant will also monitor processes and schedules related to the team's outputs and ensure efficient communication within the division and with field missions. This position is integral to maintaining the smooth operation of the division and supporting the work of the Senior Political Affairs Officer/Team Leader.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Assistant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: performing a full range of office management and administrative support functions; providing administrative assistance to the team; monitoring processes and schedules; ensuring efficient information flow; preparing and processing administrative arrangements for staff travel; orienting new staff on administrative procedures; attending meetings and preparing minutes; responding to routine correspondence; assisting in the preparation of presentation materials; coordinating with service units; maintaining files and databases; contributing to the effective functioning of the division; and performing other duties as assigned, such as operational travel programs and organizing administrative arrangements for seminars and conferences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of five years of experience in general office support or a related area is required. This experience requirement is reduced to three years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience working with the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable, as is experience with UN enterprise resource planning systems or similar applications. Candidates should also have experience in a front office environment and familiarity with Special Political Missions or Peacekeeping Missions.

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 will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued and can substitute for some work experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in general office support or a related area. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the required experience is reduced to three years. Experience in international organizations, particularly within the United Nations system, is highly desirable, as is familiarity with UN operational environments such as Special Political Missions or Peacekeeping Missions.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II. Arabic is also desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I. Proficiency in these languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

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 emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and is committed to creating an environment of mutual respect. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.