Executive Assistant

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the DRR-P and the DRR-O, the Executive Assistant ensures effective and efficient functioning of their respective offices, full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, maintenance of protocol procedures, management of information flow and follow-up on deadlines and commitments made.

The Executive Assistant works in close collaboration with UNDP staff, UN Agencies, and national authorities to ensure efficient flow of information, actions on instructions, agendas. She will on occasion be delegated temporary supervisory functions of short-term hires.

Incumbent is expected to display initiative, a positive approach, and a strong client orientation. As such, s/he might be required to undertake other emerging tasks and additional duties as required by direct supervisor or senior management

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures effective and efficient functioning of the DRR (P) & DRR (O) office focusing on achievement of the following results.

• Manage the DRR-P and DRR-O offices, ensure an environment of professionalism and teamwork environment at all times, and set exemplary standards of conduct for the CO team;
• Manage DRR-P & DRR-O schedules efficiently and discretely with due regard to a balanced load, ensure punctuality, and help maintain a professional CO image and conduct for the CO team of support staff;
• Organize regular and ad-hoc meetings taking minutes and summarizing actions for follow up by the DRR-P and DRR-O.
• Screen all incoming communications, establish priorities, and advise DRR-P/DRR-O filter outgoing correspondence for DRR-P/DRR-O signature, clearance, and further action by other staff; wherever possible. 
• Adherence to appropriate protocol and correspondence guidelines by CO team when communicating with Government and other external partners.
• Use of automated office management system

Ensures effective communications and administrative support to the office, focusing on achieving following results. 

• Initiatives to handle routine matters in close consultation with the DRR-P and the DRR-O
• Maintenance of the filing system (digital or hardcopy) ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials. Use of automated filing system.
• Information sharing between UNCT and the UN Coordination Unit.
• Up-to-date information and data on UN country team, UN thematic groups’ activities and initiatives.
• Drafting of routine correspondence, informal translations, interoffice circulars, general briefing notes, documents, reports, and minutes of meetings when requested.
• Conduct of information search and research as required.
• Arrangements and contacts for DRR-P and DRR-O travel, including preparation of agenda and schedules, confirmation of appointments, briefing materials, etc.
• Administration of travel, meetings, appointments and briefings of DRR-P and DRR-O. Including drafting of background notes.
• Maintenance of Teams’ status reports, best practices, lessons learned, publishing on section intranet and compiling of information for resource mobilization and communications officers.
• Support to organization of advocacy events if required

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results.

• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme.
• Maintain organized records of DRR-P & DRR-O offices, meetings activities case studies, human-interest stories, photographs, and other relevant documents that can be drawn upon in support of knowledge sharing and advocacy. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary education is required, or  

University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible administrative or project experience is required 

Required skills:

Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Experience in preparation of financial reports and overviews 
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools 
• Knowledge of project management processes 
• Knowledge of procurement procedures of national / international organizations  

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.