UN Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Visitors' Service of the United Nations Information Service in Geneva, which is part of the Strategic Communications Division of the Department of Global Communications. The United Nations was established in 1945 and aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and missions in various countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various functions including humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and development.

Job Overview:
The UN Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in the Visitors' Service at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), which is responsible for managing guided tour operations at the Palais des Nations. The primary objective of this position is to promote the ideals and activities of the United Nations to a diverse audience. The incumbent will coordinate guided tours, manage reservations, and assist with special events, ensuring that the operations run smoothly and efficiently. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and excellent organizational skills to handle the various tasks associated with the position. The assistant will also be involved in the onboarding and training of new tour guides, ensuring they are well-prepared to represent the United Nations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating the schedule of guided tours, managing incoming reservations through the Fareharbor booking system, and responding to inquiries via email and telephone. They will support the Chief of Service in organizing VIP tours and special events, assist with the arrival and departure of visitor groups, and maintain records of staff hours worked. The assistant will also handle budgetary information, create necessary files in the UMOJA-SAP system, and assist with accreditation processes. Additionally, they will prepare and maintain files related to Purchase Orders and salary payments, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date. The role requires a commitment to professionalism and teamwork, as the assistant will work closely with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A strong background in public information and public relations is essential, with at least seven years of relevant experience required. This experience can be reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Familiarity with the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable, as is experience working in a fast-paced environment with multiple internal departments. Proficiency in Microsoft Applications, particularly Excel, is necessary for managing data and reports effectively.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. While no specific job-related qualifications are mentioned, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have a competitive advantage, as this reduces the required years of experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in public information and public relations or front office roles. Candidates with a first-level university degree can qualify with five years of experience. Experience within the United Nations or similar international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in roles that involve interaction with various departments and stakeholders.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages at UN Level III for reading, writing, and listening, and Level III for speaking. This level indicates a high degree of fluency and the ability to communicate effectively in both languages in a professional context.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Switzerland. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrity and efficiency in its hiring practices and will conduct reference checks for candidates under serious consideration.