ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five new strategic directions which are: advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. This position is located in the Office of the Director, Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD) The Staff Assistant will work under the supervision of the Director of Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD).

Within delegated authority, the Staff Assistant may be responsible for the following duties: • Assists in the overall administration of the Front Office/division, i.e. provides substantive and administrative support in managing priorities and work flow of the Director and of the Division; coordinates and monitors multiple and diverse activities and work processes to ensure that management directives and decisions are properly carried out and products delivered in a timely manner. • Serves as a communications link between supervisor and senior staff; on behalf of supervisor, keeps others informed by conveying directives, reports, status updates and other relevant information; brings sensitive and urgent matters to the attention of the Director. • Takes full responsibility for managing the Directors’ Calendar and scheduling on behalf of Director with appropriate consultation as required; effectively prioritizes and resolves related conflicts and competing demands. • Undertakes representational duties on behalf of the Director, to include serving as first point of contact and liaison with senior officials internally and externally. • Screens and prioritizes all incoming correspondence; compiles relevant background documents and references; identifies issues requiring the Directors’ attention and refers others to relevant officer for appropriate disposition; monitors and follows-up on actions to be taken. • Researches, compiles and summarizes background materials for use in preparation of reports, briefs, speeches, etc; scan reports from specialized agencies, as well as newspapers, magazine, periodicals and other information sources to identify articles of interest to the Director. • Independently handles a wide range of complex information requests and inquiries (e.g. answer requests requiring file or other research); responds, or drafts responses, to a diverse range of correspondence and other communications. • Supports the Director in presentations to intergovernmental bodies and other meetings, researching issues, preparing briefing notes, slides and subject files, gathering relevant documentation, etc. • Implementing and supporting improvements to administrative procedures and systems to ensure smooth functioning of the Division, including filing (paper and electronic) systems. • Organizes official receptions, meetings, etc., handling all necessary arrangements (e.g. room reservations, guest/participant lists, invitations, catering, seating arrangements, background documentation, special equipment, etc.). • Prepares, processes and classifies confidential information. • Handles a wide range of administrative duties/processes (e.g. leave and attendance records, timesheets, travel arrangements, visa applications, expense statements, telecommunications charges, equipment purchase, service and supply requisitions, conference room bookings, etc.). • Exercises quality control function for all outgoing documents; proofreads and edits texts for adherence for format, grammar, punctuation and style. • Uses standard word processing package to produce a wide variety of large, complex documents and reports. • Manages, updates and further develops internal databases; updates website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Maintains tracking on work assignments. • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. A diploma or first-level degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related fields is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in general office support or a related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Experience with administrative procedures and in the context of an international NGO or a United Nations System Entity is desirable.

Language 

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. 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).

How To Apply

To get information on how to apply, please visit careers.un.org

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