Staff Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Staff Assistant
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs within the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is part of the United Nations Secretariat. OCHA is responsible for coordinating humanitarian responses to emergencies and ensuring that humanitarian actors work together effectively. The mission of OCHA is to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering during disasters and emergencies. OCHA advocates for the rights of people in need, promotes preparedness and prevention, and facilitates sustainable solutions. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that humanitarian efforts are coherent and effective across various actors involved in emergency responses.

Job Overview:
The Staff Assistant will serve as a Personal Assistant to the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Humanitarian Affairs and will be responsible for providing both substantive and administrative support to the office. This includes managing the priorities and workflow of the ASG and the work unit, coordinating multiple activities, and ensuring that management directives are executed efficiently. The Staff Assistant will compile and analyze data from various sources, serve as a communication link between the ASG and senior staff, and manage time and scheduling effectively. The role requires the ability to prioritize tasks, handle sensitive information, and represent the ASG in various capacities. The Staff Assistant will also be responsible for preparing background materials for reports and speeches, managing correspondence, and establishing administrative procedures to ensure the smooth functioning of the office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: assisting in the overall administration of the office, providing substantive and administrative support, coordinating and monitoring diverse activities, compiling and analyzing data, serving as a communications link, managing time and scheduling, undertaking representational duties, screening and prioritizing correspondence, compiling background documents, handling complex information requests, establishing administrative procedures, preparing and processing confidential information, managing administrative duties such as leave records and travel arrangements, exercising quality control for outgoing documents, and producing complex documents and reports. The Staff Assistant will also perform other duties as assigned by the ASG.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in general office support or a related area is required. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is desirable, as is experience working in a front office of a senior official. Additionally, at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in general office support or a related area. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to five years. Experience in the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is preferred, as well as experience in a senior official's front office. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area, which indicates a need for analytical skills in the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is desirable, which would enhance communication capabilities within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded for a finite period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York City. Those 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 emphasizes the importance of securing high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds.