Senior Administrative Associate

November 22, 2025

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS7

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-01-01

Senior Administrative Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Administrative Associate is responsible for assisting the concerned manager in the implementation of general administrative and resource management tasks. The incumbent will work quite independently on regular assignments with an oversight from the supervisor, who will provide general guidance and work plans for identifying work priorities and appropriate approaches; work is controlled for meeting expected results and conformity to policy and procedures. S/he is normally supervised by a (Senior) Administrative Officer or a National Administrative Officer.

The incumbent may directly supervises some support staff. Contacts on administrative related issues are mainly with Sections/Units/Offices within the organization both at HQ and in the Field and with local suppliers/services/partners/national authorities on routine subject matters as well as on matters of importance to the Organization.

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 the supervisor in the provision of resources (human, material and services) necessary to support the day-to-day activities of the staff in the office.
- Assist the supervisor in ensuring the UNHCR Office premises provide a healthy, safe and respectful working environment.
- Analyses and maintains an overview of the work of the office to ensure that timely administrative support is provided in general and specialized areas.
- Participates in the recruitment and training of General Service staff for specialized and non-specialized work and assigns General Service staff to meet work requirements.
- Reviews and evaluates work of subordinates directly or through lower-level supervisors.
- In addition to general administration responsibilities, may also supervise, directly and indirectly, activities concerned with office and grounds maintenance, security, transport and similar services.
- Briefs international personnel on general administrative matters, provides advice and ensures administrative support as required.
- Advises and assists senior staff in the area of office management.
- Arranges for and/or attends meetings on day-to-day administrative matters, participates in discussions of new or revised procedures and practices, interprets and assesses the impact of changes and makes recommendations for follow-up action.
- Prepares correspondence, special reports, evaluations and justifications as required on general administrative or specialized tasks that may be of a confidential nature within the assigned area of responsibility.

- 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 G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Business Administration, Finance, Office Management, Human Resources
or other related field
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Not specified

Desirable:
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget
*CO-Drafting and Documentation
*UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures
(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.

The candidate should demonstrate high level of skills in planning, organizing & delegating tasks, strong interpersonal communication skill with staff and service providers, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a highly demanding working environment. This position requires a high level of professionalism, and client-oriented attitude while handling day-to-day administrative tasks and confidentiality in handling sensitive information and other related matters.
The Senior Administrative Associate must be proactive, client-oriented, and capable of working under minimal supervision, independently and collaboratively as part of the broader team. The role demands strong coordination skills liaising effectively with various units, ability to represent UNHCR in various working group with other UN Agencies and BOS. The position also covers protocol functions that requires effective and timely communication with authorities. The incumbent is expected to process financial transactions pertaining admin expenses in the system.
Required Knowledge and Experience:
• Sound knowledge of UNHCR Administrative procedures and processes.
• Proven practical experience in Workday and Cloud ERP.
• Experience in representing UNHCR in inter-agency forum such as admin working group, BOS, etc.
• Experience in drafting annual admin procurement plan and effectively manage admin procurement that falls under LVP.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the MFA, handling visa matters, diplomatic cards, VAT, travel arrangements, appointment requests as needed, and coordinating assistants of diplomatic entities.
• Draft and manage correspondence.
• Oversee and organize the Representative’s agenda.
• Supervise and coordinate drivers.
• Knowledge of UNHCR HR procedures and process is an added value as from time to time the incumbent may be required to cover HR functions.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget, CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Certifications

Business Administration - Other, Finance - Other, Human Resources - Other, Office Management - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This vacancy is advertised internally. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for oral interview.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance