Background Information - Job-specific
**** THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY APPLICANTS WHO ARE SPANISH OR EUROPEAN UNION CITIZENS OR APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS A VALID RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT IN SPAIN ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION****
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their Peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners; programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
Background Information - Job-specific
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides operational support to all UN Secretariat entities, including advisory, operational and transactional support services and, where needed, exercises delegated authority on behalf of clients. DOS supports the entire UN Secretariat, consisting of almost 100 entities located around the globe.
The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) is an integral part of DOS, Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM). UNGSC serves all UN peace operations worldwide through the integrated and customized supply of critical goods, logistics services and IT solutions, reaching thousands of peacekeepers in some of the most inaccessible and challenging areas. To guarantee robust and uninterrupted communications and advanced technology services globally, UNGSC operates from two bases, one in Brindisi, Italy, and one in Valencia, Spain (the United Nations Information and Communications Technology Facility, UNICTF). The Service for Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies (SGITT) at UNGSC provides a critical role as the resilient operational hub for the support and delivery of technology services and solutions to field operations and a broad range of Secretariat and United Nations system clients.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with UNGSC to ensure the seamless support operation of the UNGSC Valencia cafeteria during the transition period. The Facilities Assistant will be primarily responsible for preparing and serving high-quality coffee, beverages, and simple food items such as pastries and sandwiches. The Facilities Assistant will also manage food distribution, including coordinating external vendor orders for staff, while maintaining cleanliness and organization of the food preparation and serving areas. Additionally, the Facilities Assistant will provide excellent customer service, monitor inventory, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards to create a welcoming and efficient dining environment for staff.
UNOPS has partnered with UNGSC to provide support services covered in this TOR. This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for the United Nations Secretariat. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall supervision of UNOPS Programme Manager, with the guidance and under the supervision of the Project Management Support - Specialist, the Facilities Assistant will carry out the activities covered in this TOR.
The Facilities Assistant will be performing the following duties:
1. Food and Beverage Preparation
Prepare and serve coffee, tea, and other beverages to high-quality standards.
Handle simple food items, including pastries, sandwiches, and snacks, adhering to cafeteria guidelines and health standards.
Monitor and maintain the quality of food and beverages served.
2. Inventory and RestockingRestock food, beverages, and supplies as needed throughout the day.
Monitor inventory levels and notify the supervisor of any shortages or needs for replenishment.
Clean and sanitize work areas, food handling areas, and serving stations.
Ensure tables, utensils, dishes, and equipment are clean and ready for use.
Clear tables promptly after use and ensure dining areas are clean and inviting.
Adhere to all health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
4. Customer ServiceGreeting customers warmly and assist with placing orders.
Provide excellent customer service, ensuring all diners have what they need for a pleasant experience.
Resolve customer complaints promptly or escalate them to the designated supervisor.
5. Operational SupportOperate automatic cash machine for efficient and hygienic transactions.
Set up seating arrangements and ensure the dining area is organized.
Assist in coordinating food distribution from external vendors to staff.
Facilitate an efficient dining environment, ensuring smooth operations during peak and quiet hours.
Participate in feedback sessions to improve offerings and services.
Provide support when catering services are contracted for specific events.
Ensure consistency in service delivery and address any deficiencies promptly.
Perform additional tasks assigned by the supervisor to support cafeteria operations.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
The Facilities Assistant will ensure a high-quality and efficient cafeteria service. The work of the Facilities Assistant will result in increased customer satisfaction and an increase on the usage of the cafeteria service by the UNGSC, Valencia staff, a 15% increase from October 2025 to June 2026 through consistent preparation and delivery of quality coffee, beverages, and food items. The Facilities Assistant will maintain a clean, welcoming, and organized dining environment, improving overall staff engagement and use of the cafeteria. Ultimately, the Facilities Assistant will support the establishment of a reliable, efficient, and customer-focused cafeteria.
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent is required
Work Experience / Language:Required:
A minimum of three years in the field of catering or related area.
Food Handler's Certificate.
Desirable:
Technician in Catering Services Management degree
Language Requirements:Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required;
Fluency in Spanish (write, read, speak) is required;
Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: ICA Contract level: LICA 3 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA โ โOpen-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.โ For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.
This position is stationed in Valencia, Spain which is a family duty station. Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.