: STAFF ASSISTANT, G5, Closing date: Thursday, 12 March 2015

Job Code Title: STAFF ASSISTANT

Department/ Office

Department of Peacekeeping Operations

Duty Station

NEW YORK

Posting Period

10 February 2015-12 March 2015

Jo b Opening number

15-ADM-DPKO-39251-R-NEW YORK (X)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

This position is funded for a finite period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Passing the Administrative Assessment Support Test (ASAT) in English at Headquarters, ECA, ESCWA, UNOG, UNOV, ICTR, or ICTY or the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category in the United Nations Secretariat.

Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Manuals' on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Office of Operations, Africa II Division. The Division is comprised of three integrated operational teams (IOTs), which cover Political Affairs, Police, Military, and Field Support issues. The incumbent reports directly to the Director of the Division.

Responsibilities

Under the overall responsibility of the Director of Africa II Division, the staff assistant will serve as the Personal Assistant to the Director and perform the following duties as appropriate: Provide secretarial and administrative support to the Director: remain informed of developments and operational matters in missions and offices covered by the Division; administer the agenda of the Director, arrange meetings and taking notes as requested; liaise with the assistants of senior officials on a daily basis; organise official travel.

Facilitate the flow of information within and outside the Division: review and distribute incoming correspondence; draft and edit routine correspondence; process documents prepared by the Division; keep a comprehensive filing system for the Division; liaise with counterparts in other offices to ensure timely and efficient flow of information.

Support the Division in enhancing the provision of coordinated and comprehensive direction, management and support to the missions: plan and organise workload and prioritize tasks for timely results; coordinate various inter-agency meetings; build and maintain strong interpersonal relations with clients; provide administrative and secretarial assistance to visiting senior officials.

Contribute to the effective functioning of the Division: act as back-up for other assistants in the Division and provide general administrative support across the Division as required.

Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Competencies

Professionalism

Knowledge of UN administrative procedures, policies and practices, including those relevant to DPKO; familiarity with UN systems (IMIS, Comet2, Matrix,etc), or similar database or ERP applications; demonstrates interest in the work of the United Nations and personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; demonstrates ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of different opinions and views; 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.

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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Education

High school diploma.

Work Experience

Five years of progressively responsible experience in general office support or related area is required. Experience as staff or administrative assistant is required. Experience in a front office environment is desirable. Experience related to peacekeeping, field operations or in a related, relevant area, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required.Knowledge of French is required.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise, which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

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