Staff Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Staff Assistant
Location: Geneve
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Safety Service of the United Nations Office at Geneva. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various sectors including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, and has a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The UN Office at Geneva is one of the four major offices of the UN, serving as a hub for international diplomacy and dialogue.

Job Overview:
The Staff Assistant role is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the Security and Safety Service at the UN Office in Geneva. The incumbent will provide comprehensive office management and administrative support, typically assisting a senior officer or manager responsible for significant programs. This position requires a proactive approach to maintaining communication with the Executive Office and senior officials, ensuring that information flows efficiently within the unit. The Staff Assistant will also be involved in preparing reports, briefs, and speeches, as well as coordinating service-wide activities such as meetings and training sessions. The role demands a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, all while adhering to the UN's standards of professionalism and integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: performing office management and administrative support functions; maintaining liaison with the Executive Office and senior officials; ensuring efficient information flow within the unit; preparing and processing confidential information; assisting in the development of administrative systems; compiling background materials for reports and briefs; coordinating service-wide activities; orienting new staff; attending meetings and preparing minutes; managing correspondence; updating internal databases; carrying out quality control for outgoing documents; responding to complex information requests; preparing presentation materials; maintaining calendars and schedules; performing various administrative duties; and maintaining both paper and electronic files and databases. The role may also involve providing specialized support such as technology assistance and desktop publishing.

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 can be reduced to three years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, at least two years of experience in administration within a Front Office of Chief of Service or a similar setting is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of office and administrative support processes, as well as a commitment to gender equality and teamwork.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. While no specific job-related qualifications are listed, candidates with higher educational qualifications, such as a university degree, may have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in general office support or a related area. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, candidates with experience in administration within a Front Office of Chief of Service or similar settings will be viewed favorably, particularly if they have at least two years of such experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required, along with knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered desirable. Given the working environment of the UN, proficiency in both English and French is essential for effective communication and collaboration.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Geneva. 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 recruits. The appointment is contingent upon the availability of the position and budgetary approval. The UN emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. The UN Secretariat operates as a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Candidates should follow all application instructions carefully and ensure that their submissions are complete and accurate.