OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
(Appointment is on a local basis only)
Reference Number: 11/OHCHR/147/GENEVA
Deadline for Application: 25 November 2011
Post Title and Level: Programme Assistant, G-5
(temporary replacement)
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: Three months
Organizational Unit: Americas Section, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation
Division (FOTCD)
Responsibilities
The incumbent:
- Assists in organizing the work of the Americas Section, performs administrative tasks related to
the implementation of technical cooperation projects and backstopping of field presences;
- Monitors and follows up assignments given to geographic teams;
- Prepares official missions, provides administrative and logistical assistance (including drafting
written communications and preparation of travel);
- Assists in recruitment procedures and field personnel issues;
- Provides guidance, instructions and explanations on the functioning of the teams and
administrative procedures to junior staff;
- Drafts and processes correspondence in response to requests from governments and other
partners, including briefing notes and other written materials;
- Compiles general information related to the implementation of technical cooperation projects
and field office mandates for wider dissemination to governments, NGOs and other partners;
- Assists in the preparation and wider dissemination to governments, NGOs and other partners;
- Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the section budget, performs administrative tasks
related to the project cycle such as cost plan, allotment requests, reporting;
- Makes all necessary arrangements for regional conferences, meetings and consultations,
including administrative requests, issuance of invitations, preparation of attendance lists and
agendas, correspondence with relevant government authorities and participants and follow-up
actions, searches for and assembles background materials and documents and provides secretarial
assistance during such events, including note-taking and administrative assistance to participants;
- Coordinates and monitors unit information on internet, extranet and public website;
- Maintains and updates filing and database, electronic and hardcopy;
- Assists the Chief of Americas Section in planning and carrying out meetings and briefings,
organizing agendas, ensuring distribution of documents, notes taking in meetings for internal
distribution and maintaining records of meetings.
-2-
CORE COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Ability and commitment to deliver high quality outputs. Good knowledge of
UN administrative processes, in particular those related to project administration. Ability to work
with figures. Ability to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given. Excellent
capacity to exercise initiative to identify, anticipate and resolve administrative needs and
requirements and follow-up on matters to bring them to closure.
Planning and organizing: Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities under tight
deadlines. Ability to work with speed and accuracy. Allocates appropriate amount of time and
resources to complete work. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as required.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Demonstrates openness in sharing
information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork: Good interpersonal and negotiating skills and ability to establish and maintain
effective relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for
diversity.
Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided as “clients ” and seeks to
see things from their point of view. Identifies clients’ needs and matches appropriate solutions.
Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects.
Technological awareness: Good Knowledge of advanced functions in UN standard applications
(Lotus Notes, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, database applications, internet use, etc.)
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education
High school diploma or equivalent. Must have passed the United Nations Administrative Support
Assessment Test (ASAT).
Work Experience
Minimum of 5 years of administrative experience, of which preferably 3 within the UN. Good
knowledge of computer applications.
Languages
Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
How to apply:
Applicants are instructed to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to:
humanresources@ohchr.org
A completed United Nations Personal History form (PHP) or P-11, in PDF or Word
A cover letter as attached document;
United Nations staff members must submit scanned copies of their latest Performance
Appraisal System (PAS).
Important:
Date of issuance: 18 November 2011 11/147/GENEVA G-5
-3-
Please mention the reference number of the vacancy announcement in the subject header of
your e-mail: 11/OHCHR/147/GENEVA
Name any attached documents as follows:
LAST NAME First name – Type of document
Example: SMITH Jacqueline – PHP.doc
SMITH Jacqueline - Cover letter.doc
SMITH Jacqueline – PAS.pdf
Note: Applications without P-11 or PHP cannot be considered;
Applications received after the deadline or not compliant with the instructions will not
be accepted.
Please note that, because of the volume of messages, applications will not be acknowledged.
Only applicants possessing the required qualifications will be taken into consideration. Only the
successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the selection.
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 UN also encourages women’s candidatures.
The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at one level below the advertised
level of the post.
"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".
Date of issuance: 18 November 2011 11/147/GENEVA G-5