The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness, prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.
This job opening is being advertised for the position of Executive Associates GS-6 located in the OCHA Abuja Office and reports to the Head of Office (HoO).
Under the direct supervision of the Administrative and Finance Officer, the Executive Associates will be responsible for the following duties:
- Ensures effective and efficient functioning of the HoO’s office focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Maintenance of the HoO’s calendar, contacts with high-ranking visitors, arrangement of appointments and meetings, acting as an interpreter when required and/or taking minutes.
- Maintenance of protocol procedures.
- Preparation of high-quality briefing materials for HoO’s appointments, meetings, missions.
- Preparation of informal translations.
- Management of HoO’s missions and representation schedule.
- Maintenance of rosters of high-level partners, telephone lists.
- Preparation of correspondence, directives, comments on behalf of the HoO for his/her signature and making follow-up when required.
- Use of automated office management systems for effective functioning of the HoO’s office.
2. Ensures provision of effective communications support to the office focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Maintenance of the filing system ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials. Use of automated filing system.
- Coordination of the information flow in the office, follow up on circulation files.
- Facilitate information sharing with the UNCT.
- Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to Head of Office.
- Screening of all incoming calls and correspondence.
- Presentation of proposals to eliminate communication bottlenecks in the office and streamline office procedures between the supervisor’s office and subordinate division.
3. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Organization of specialized trainings for secretaries.
- Organization of trainings to UN staff on coordination, administration and protocol issues.
PROFESSIONALISM:
Ability to perform a variety of repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to general administration support. Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints. Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations. Detailed knowledge and understanding of clerical, administrative, secretarial best practices and procedures, in-depth knowledge of office software applications relating to word processing data management presentation etc. Ability to operate and maintain a variety of computerized business machines and office equipment in order to provide efficient delivery of service. Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities.
Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING& ORGANIZING
Organizes and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources and multiple reporting relationships. Plans, coordinates and organizes workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and competing deadlines. Demonstrates ability to quickly shift from one task to another to meet multiple support needs. Establishes, builds and maintains effective working relationships with staff and clients to facilitate the provision of support.
- Secondary education is required.
- A University degree or equivalent is desirable
- A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in administration is required.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is desirable.
- Experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.
- Experience working with the UN or other international organizations is desirable.
- Experience working in a front office or executive assistant role is desirable
**QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY**