Staff Assistant Job at UNODC – UN Jobs

UNODC Jobs, United Nations JobsUN Jobs,

  • Job Opening ID: 249694
  • Job Network : Management and Administration
  • Job Family : Administration
  • Category and Level : General Service and Related Categories, G-5
  • Duty Station : NAIROBI
  • Department/Office : United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
  • Date Posted : Dec 17, 2024
  • Deadline : Jan 15, 2025

UN Jobs CV review >> Submit your CV here

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA) in Nairobi, Kenya, Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The Staff Assistant will work under the overall supervision of the UNODC Representative and the Programme Management Officer.

Responsibilities

Within limits of assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for providing executive administrative support to facilitate the work of the Office and the UNODC Representative. The incumbent shall facilitate the efficient flow of information and communication within the Office of the Regional Representative to ensure expeditious dissemination of information and timely action. Within limits of delegated authority, the Staff Assistant will be responsible for the following specific duties:

Support to the Regional Representative

  • Provide administrative support to the Representative ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the Representative’s office.
  • Organize the Regional Representative’s calendar by scheduling meetings with a wide range of counterparts and proposing timeframes for delivery of various commitments and ensuring proper time management by setting up, coordinating, and scheduling meetings to ensure the efficient functioning of the office.
  • Arrange travel/hotel accommodations and other logistics for the Representative and/or other staff,
  • Follow-up on the clearance of travel request of the Representative and other staff.
  • Under the guidance of the Programme Management Officer, undertake logistical administrative and financial arrangements, for meetings, events and workshops organized by the Office of Representative.
  • Maintain the roster of the Representative’s contacts for easy access and reference.
  • Facilitate the flow of information/communication between the Representative’s Office and other pillars/units within and outside office and enhance this flow of information/ communication as needed.
  • Prepare and coordinate background documents, minutes; coordinate preparation of briefing notes and speaking points as requested.
  • Schedule staff meetings and maintain minutes and follow up schedule.
  • Serve as a communication link between the Regional Representative and staff members, and on behalf of the Regional Representative, keep staff members informed by conveying directives, reports, status updates and other relevant information, and bring sensitive and urgent matters to the Regional Representative’s attention.
  • Support the drafting, proof-reading, and finalizing of formal communication such as memos, notes verbale, letters, etc.; prepare and update periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc.
  • Respond and/or direct inquiries to the appropriate programme/project working area (Pillar) or staff for timely action and/or response.
  • Maintain and organize up to date hard and electronic files for easy access and retrieval. Ensure safekeeping of confidential materials.
  • Serve as focal point for administrative coordination, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
  • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
  • Constantly monitor emails to bring to the attention of the Regional Representative urgent actions and drafts/responds to emails on behalf of the Regional Representative.
  • Act as the Regional office focal point for Executive Office correspondences as well as those of other partners.
  • Provide full support for organising the missions of high-level missions from UNODC Headquarters, UN and other visiting delegations as required.
  • Backstop the HR staff as required.
  • Any other work assigned by Regional Representative and the Deputy Regional Representative/Programme Management Officer.

General Administration

  • Perform other related administrative duties, as required (e.g., operational travel programme, meeting scheduling and support to workshops, conferences)
  • Attend meetings, prepare minutes and monitor follow-up activities.
  • Generate a variety of standard statistical and other reports, work orders, etc., using various databases including Umoja.
  • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
  • Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.

Competencies

Professionalism – Has knowledge of general office administration, administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures. Has knowledge of processes and procedures related to office management, programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Is able to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Has demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Has ability to perform analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

  • High School diploma is required.

Work Experience

  • A minimum of five years of experience of progressively responsible experience in administrative services, general office support or related areas is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced to three for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
  • A minimum of three years of experience in a busy executive office/ front office is required.
  • Working experience in the UN system or similar international organization is required Working experience with Umoja or any other similar ERP/SAP, such as UMOJA for travel, requisitioning and HR functions is desirable.
  • Work experience of one (1) year or more in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages

  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Assessment

  • Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
IMPORTANT: Write a Perfect Cover Letter in minutes and start getting interviews! Get expert advice as you write.) Use These Examples Proven to Work.

Click here to apply

UN Jobs CV review >> Submit your CV here

I’m Daniel Mutuku, a Career Coach. I help professionals get jobs with the UN, NGOs and international organisations.

Discover and unlock your full career potential and achieve your top career goals. As your career coach, I will support you through the application process, all the way until you secure the job.

Professionals who want to get a job that pays them well for their skills, experience and who strongly want to be in charge of their professional life always have a COACH.

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”George Eliot

Cover Letter for job application 2025 examples - 3 Parts of a Cover Letter