Hardship LevelB
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeNOB
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-10-16
Job Posting End DateOctober 31, 2023
Standard Job Description
Executive Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Guidance will be given by the supervisor (often Regional Representative, Director of Bureau/Division). The Executive Assistant liaises with colleagues within the same office, at HQ, and in the field, on matters of non-routine significance in order to prepare documents for the supervisor and manage the flow of information.
Regular contacts with external parties, including UN office, donors and International organizations, are made to provide the supervisor's contacts with background information on relevant topics prior to meetings, to respond queries on behalf of the supervisor at his/her discretions and to obtain assistance of others on matters of relevant to the office.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Assist in managing the flow of information to the supervisor, in identifying priority matters that need to be urgently addressed by the supervisor and in proposing actions; analyse supporting documentation and summarize most relevant points for the supervisor; contribute to ensuring that appropriate action is taken by responsible Section Heads on matters brought to the attention of the supervisor.
- Assist in following-up on policies and instructions presented by the supervisor. Keep the supervisor aware of developments in UNHCR's major world-wide operations and of policy issues related directly to UNHCR or to humanitarian issues under the broader UN system.
- Assist the supervisor in the preparation of statements that represent UNHCR's overall policies and which highlight specific areas of concern. Propose and draft substantive correspondence for the supervisor.
- Confer with Section Heads to secure timely and authoritative information relevant to matters requiring action, decisions or the signature of the supervisor.
- Ensure that the supervisor is prepared for meetings and missions by drafting talking points, by researching relevant information; and by establishing contacts (within and outside UNHCR) on the subject matters to be discussed.
- Accompany the supervisor to meetings and on missions in order to prepare notes on the discussions, ensure follow-up in matters raised, and support the supervisor with any relevant input.
- Support the supervisor in efforts to raise the profile of UNHCR and the agency's concerns within the context of the broader United Nations system.
- Contribute to coordinating drafts of position papers and other documents relevant to the activities of the Office.
- Ensure that high-level visitors are appropriately addressed, that they receive background information as necessary, and that protocol is respected.
- Prioritise tasks and organize work independently.
- Select and make pertinent abstracts and search for information.
- Have access to sensitive and confidential information.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
International Relations; Law; Political Science;
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
3 years of previous work experience relevant to the function. A proven ability to act with discretion and diplomacy is essential for this function.
Desirable
Good knowledge and experience of UNHCR operations.
Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile S/he should have excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills. Experience performing reporting duties is an advantage. S/he should be diplomatic, flexible, proactive, able to perform well under pressure and a good team player. Importantly, s/he is expected to respect confidentiality. Finally, the role calls for good organizational skills in order to prepare the Representative for all engagements, keep track of meetings, coordinate and plan missions and take stock of progress made on a range of issue.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
Nature of Position
The Incumbent of the Executive Assistant - NOB position plays a crucial role in supporting the Representative. S/he provides direct support to the Representative through, among others, management of information and preparation and documentation of meetings; follow-up on actions, deadlines, commitments, maintenance of protocol procedures, and through supporting communications in the Kenya Operation with various stakeholders. The Executive Assistant helps the Representative to identify priority matters that needs to be urgently addressed. S/he ensures full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment. The incumbent receives guidance from the Representative. The incumbent also liaises with colleagues in UNHCR on matters of non-routine significance in order to prepare documents and manage the flow of information. S/he analysis information flows and makes suggestions and implements procedures for efficient information management. Regular contacts with external parties, including government officials, UN agencies and other international organizations, are made to provide the Representativeโs contacts with background information on relevant topics prior to meetings, to respond to queries on behalf of the Representative, and to obtain assistance of others on matters of relevance to the office. The Executive Assistant works closely with the senior management support team and may supervise staff in the team. S/he also assumes a coordination role within the structure.
Living and Working Conditions
Nairobi is a good duty station for families. It has good medical facilities, and it is the regional medical evacuation centre for countries in the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes sub-regions. Recreational facilities, schools and hotels are of international standards. High standard
accommodation is available, as well as good banking facilities, unlimited access to communication means, such as internet, telephone SIM cards etc. In addition, Nairobi is a malaria free environment. but cholera, malaria and yellow fever occur in other parts of Kenya. When entering the country, yellow fever card/vaccine is required. Nairobi is in UN security Level One, but politically instigated demonstrations and riots may occur from time to time. General crime in Nairobi is relatively high, especially in some low-income areas, however a high sense of vigilance and alertness is required practically everywhere.
Security Considerations
Politically instigated demonstrations and riots may occur at any time. Hazards such as road traffic accidents, fire, diseases outbreak and flooding are frequent. The crime threat level in Nairobi like in many other large cities is high and physical violence is a common feature of burglaries in residences, carjacking and robberies. The terrorism threat level in Nairobi is moderate but is high in North Eastern. A high sense of vigilance and alertness is required at all times.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Drafting and Documentation
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance