JOB DESCRIPTION

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) located in Dakar, Senegal. The incumbent will report to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of UNOWAS.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Administrative Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Human Resources Management

• Effectively coordinates actions relative to the administration of human resource activities, e.g., recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures. Budget and Finance
• Takes the lead with respect to the preparation and implementation of the work programme, ensuring that financial resources in the office of the SRSG are utilized to implement activities in accordance with the Programme Budget and allotments issued for the OSRSG.
• Monitors and reviews the work programme and budget of the OSRSG by conducting regular and special reviews to assess progress of actual work versus the programme plan. Coordinates the production of programme reports.
• Defines requirements and work with systems units with respect to improving budget reporting systems and cost-effective utilization of program resources.
• Develops procedures and implements same to ensure that accounting and financial management controls are consistent with UN policy and practice.
• Supervises and/or provides guidance on financial administration and management information issues and practices to colleagues in the SRSG front office.
• Provides guidance and leadership to more junior staff. General Administration
• Manages SRSG programmes including his travel, appointments and daily calendar.
• Manages a wide range of incoming and outgoing correspondences for the SRSG”s office
• Liaises with Mission Support on work related to procurement, operational travel programme and other administrative issues for the OSRSG
• Liaises with Mission Support to review adequacy of OSRSG”s space requirements.
• Oversees the identification of OSRSG technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems, coordinating with mission”s Field Technology Unit enhancements as necessary
• Provides substantive and administrative support in managing priorities and workflow in the office of the SRSG, coordinates multiple and diverse activities and work processes to ensure management of directives and decisions.
• Handles a wide range of administrative duties and processes, leave requests, attendance records, timesheets, travel arrangements and visa applications for the SRSG.
• Performs other related work as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism – Substantive experience in, and thorough knowledge of administrative Functions. Experience in communicating with senior officials and handling confidential information. Extensive knowledge, regarding the application of financial, and staff regulations and rules. The skills and ability to analyze and interpret financial data. Ability to manage processes, maintain accurate records, interpret/analyze a wide variety of data, and identify/resolve data discrepancies and activity problems. Familiarity with all of the unit”s business operations and objectives. High degree of commitment to ensure the proper use of the unit”s financial resources. 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.
• Planning & Organizing – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amounts 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.
• 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Higher level degree, certificates or training in administrative services, finance, human resources, business administration or personnel management is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience within the United Nations system or the private sector in the field of administrative services, finance, accounting, human resources, audit, or in other related fields is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first level University degree. Experience working in a UN Special Political Mission, UN Peacekeeping Operation, or other UN field operation or similar international organization is required. Experience working in the front office of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General or similar high-ranking official is desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
• At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.