Staff Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Staff Assistant
Location: Lusaka
Country: Zambia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. Its mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• ECA operates with a focus on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies for economic diversification, implementing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. The organization has a significant presence across various African nations, working collaboratively to address the continent's unique challenges and opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Staff Assistant position is located in the Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO/SA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the Director's office, ensuring effective communication and information flow, and providing secretarial and administrative support. This role requires a proactive approach to managing the Director's schedule, coordinating travel arrangements, and maintaining confidentiality in all matters. The Staff Assistant will also assist in data collection and analysis, prepare reports, and support various administrative functions to facilitate the smooth operation of the office. The position demands a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of the Director's Office, including facilitating information flow, managing the Director's schedule, and overseeing correspondence and records.
• Coordinate travel arrangements for the Director, ensuring all logistics are handled efficiently.
• Provide secretarial and document processing services, including drafting correspondence, managing meeting logistics, and maintaining attendance records.
• Assist with data collection and analysis, preparing presentations and reports for decision-making.
• Uphold confidentiality and manage information flow within the office, ensuring smooth coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide general secretarial support to other sections of the office as needed and serve as acting Administrative Assistant during absences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of specialized work experience in office management or related fields. This experience should be in a larger office setting dealing with various administrative issues and high-level staff. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with 5 years of relevant experience. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A High School Diploma is required for this position. A diploma or first-level degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related fields is desirable, providing a foundation for the administrative and operational tasks expected in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of specialized work experience in office management or related fields. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with 5 years of relevant experience. Experience in data analytics or related areas is considered an advantage, highlighting the importance of analytical skills in supporting decision-making processes.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written 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 considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's profile.

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 international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or background. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.