Senior Meeting Services Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was established to promote economic and social development in Africa. Its mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• UNECA operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing solutions to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position at the global level. The organization is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Meeting Services Assistant plays a crucial role in the Publications and Conference Management Section (PCMS) within the Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD) of UNECA. This position involves working under the guidance of the Chief of PCMS and the direct supervision of the Chief of Conference Management & Interpretation. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of meetings and conferences, which includes reviewing resolutions, preparing draft programs of work, and ensuring all logistical arrangements are made in advance. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to lead projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency of services provided during conferences. The Senior Meeting Services Assistant also supervises staff, coordinates with host countries, and maintains databases related to meetings, ensuring that all necessary services are available for the successful conduct of events.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Meeting Services Assistant include reviewing resolutions and decisions of assigned committees, preparing draft programs of work, drafting procedural notes, and preparing preliminary lists of agenda items. The incumbent is responsible for sending invitations to member states and ensuring all logistical arrangements are in place for meetings. They will propose solutions to enhance service efficiency, supervise staff in meeting rooms, report on proceedings, and coordinate with senior officers and host countries for logistical support. Additionally, the role involves organizing preparatory meetings, preparing seating arrangements, maintaining databases, preparing schedules, and ensuring all equipment is functional. The Senior Meeting Services Assistant also moderates hybrid and virtual meetings, responds to queries, participates in recruitment, and trains new staff and vendors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher can reduce the minimum experience requirement. The position requires a minimum of ten years of experience in conference support or a related area, with a reduction to eight years for those with a relevant degree. Experience in data analytics is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, planning, and organizing skills, and a commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher is preferred and can reduce the experience requirement, indicating that candidates with higher education may have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of experience in conference support or a related area. This requirement is reduced to eight years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in data analytics or a related field is considered an asset, indicating that familiarity with data handling and analysis can enhance a candidate's profile.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is advantageous, which may include languages such as Arabic, Spanish, or Russian, thereby broadening the candidate's communication capabilities within the organization.

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 this category are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to apply online as soon as possible.