UNHCR is actively hiring an administrative assistant. Apply Now
Background
The United Nations Human Rights Council is a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world. The Council has 47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis. The headquarters of the Council are at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.
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About UNHRC
The UNHRC is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Some key information about the UNHRC:
- Established in 2006 to replace the former UN Commission on Human Rights.
- Consists of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly.
- Seats are distributed geographically to ensure equitable representation.
- Mandate includes addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations.
- Holds regular sessions throughout the year to discuss human rights issues.
- Undertakes the Universal Periodic Review to assess the human rights situation in all UN member states.
- Appoints independent experts, known as Special Rapporteurs, to monitor and report on specific human rights themes or country situations.
- Responds to human rights emergencies and crises through special sessions.
- Aims to be a forum for dialogue on thematic human rights issues and country-specific situations.
The UNHRC plays a central role in the UN system in promoting and protecting universal human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
Why about at UNHRC
Here are some key reasons why someone might want to work at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):
- Mission and purpose: The UNHRC’s core mandate is to promote and protect human rights globally. This provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people around the world.
- Impactful work: Employees at the UNHRC contribute directly to monitoring human rights situations, investigating abuses, and developing policies and recommendations to address violations. This allows for high-impact, meaningful work.
- Diverse and international environment: The UNHRC brings together experts, diplomats and advocates from diverse backgrounds, fostering a multicultural, collaborative work culture.
- Career development: Working at the UNHRC offers exposure to high-level policy discussions, broadens one’s understanding of global human rights issues, and can lead to advancement opportunities within the UN system.
- Benefits and stability: Employment at the UNHRC comes with a competitive UN compensation package, including health insurance, pension plan, and job security.
- Networking and connections: Interacting with member states, NGOs, and human rights defenders provides an extensive professional network and opportunities for partnerships.
- Sense of purpose: Contributing to the protection and fulfillment of universal human rights can be deeply fulfilling and personally rewarding for mission-driven individuals.
Overall, the UNHRC presents a unique chance to apply one’s skills and passion towards advancing human rights on a global stage. The work is challenging but impactful
Details on the post
Hardship Level: A (least hardship)
Family Type: Family
Residential Location: N/A
Grade: GS4
Staff Member / Affiliate Type: General Service
Reason: Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote Work Accepted: No
Target Start Date: 2024-05-21
Job Posting End Date: 2024-06-05
Job Title: Administrative Assistant
Duties
Within delegated authority, the Administrative Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Administrative assistants; please refer to the organizational context).
Arrange appointments and meetings, both internal and external, some involving high-ranking officials.
Receive visitors, place and screen telephone calls, respond to routine requests for information and take notes at meetings as and when required.
Maintain hard and electronic office files and records; classify and code material relating to a variety of topics;
Receive, review, sort and distribute all incoming and outgoing correspondence, office pouch and materials; highlight priority items; and attach necessary background information. Maintain a follow-up system.
may be required to maintain/update confidential files.
Draft routine correspondence, memoranda and reports. Format more complex documents by using the appropriate technology.
Facilitate the implementation of Personnel administrative formalities and processing of documents in relation to official travels, leaves and movements of staff. Support staff members with processing personnel-related documentation.
maintain office inventory and stocks of office supplies. Monitor the asset management track to ensure all administrative procurements and disposals of UNHCR property are done and recorded accurately.
Assist the supervisor to monitoring and recording expenditures and disbursements of funds.
Following instructions from the supervisor, make logistic and administrative arrangements for seminars, workshops, and briefings that may be required by the office or division.
may regulate and monitor routine provision of services and/or shifts from providers, as and when applicable;
Monitor office/compound facilities and equipment and, in consultation with the supervisor, take appropriate action to ensure proper functioning at all time.
Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision-making is risk-based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns with a supervisor or a relevant functional colleague(s).
Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G4: 1 year relevant experience with a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Business Administration, Finance, Office Management,
Human Resources or another related field
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential.)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Not specified
Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
IT: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
(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,.
