Administrative Assistant

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Operations Unit (OU), Broadcast and Conference Support Section (BCSS), Regional Service Management Service (RSMS), Operations Support Division (OSD), Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT). The Broadcast and Conference Support Section is responsible for designing and operating the conference and broadcast service solutions in all conference rooms in the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The solutions include Congress Microphone and Interpretation systems, transmission, broadcast media, content management, editing suites and studios, and collaboration platforms [video conference, WebEx, remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI), etc. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section. The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) is leading the digital transformation of the Organization to enable a better, safer, more sustainable future through secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. OICT is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. OICT supports the principles of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Administrative Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: • Initiates, reviews, processes and follows-up on actions related to the administration of the unit’s human resource activities, e.g., recruitment of staff and consultants, placement, promotion, relocation, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures. • Responds to enquiries and provides information and advice to staff regarding administrative procedures, processes and practices. BUDGET AND FINANCE: • Assists in the preparation and review of financial and human resource proposals/requirements. Consolidates budget/work programme with respect to Headquarters’ budget, trust funds, grants and procurement. • Monitors expenditures and compares with approved budget; prepares adjustments as necessary. • Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. • Assists in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures • Performs BCSS Billing and Cost Recovery related functions. • Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: • Drafts routine correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant administrative, financial audit, personnel matters. • Coordinates extensively with service units and liaises frequently with internal team members both at Headquarters and in the field. • Performs other related administrative duties, as required (e.g., operational travel programme; monitoring accounts and payment to vendors and individual contractors for services; physical space planning; identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems; organizing and coordinating seminars, conferences and translations). • May be responsible for guiding, training, and supervising the work of more junior General Service staff. • 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. • Prepares requisitions and enters data to initiate requisition process. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: • Assists with day-to-day administration of contracts between the UN and external contractors for outsourced services. • Audits the contractors' invoices against the goods and services provided by the contractor, verifying the accuracy of invoices submitted by the contractor against time and attendance records of contractual staff and services requested and approved by the UN. • Processes the payment of contractors' invoices and monitor payments. • Prepares and processes all UN forms and permissions for contractual and work Unit, Section or Service UN staff, including: UN grounds passes, property passes, UN parking permits, swipe-card access and door keys. CONFERENCE AND BROADCAST SERVICES: • Ensures all incoming requests to BCSS, related to billable transactions (SAP/Umoja), for the audio and video technical services provided by BCSS; Conference, Production, and Engineering and Maintenance Operations are properly channeled and handled in a timely manner. • Oversees and produces the daily bookings schedule which is then rectified with the daily meetings and events schedules published by DGACM and DPI. • Provides estimates to clients for reimbursable services and maintains electronic files for client billing support documentation. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations.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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceSeven years of experience within the UN system in administrative services, finance, accounting, human resources or related area is required. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Knowledge of UN systems and administrative procedures as well as financial rules and procedures is desirable. Strong knowledge of UN core software (Word, Excel, SharePoint) is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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).