JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for Applications

September 12, 2025

Hardship Level

D

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Residential location (if applicable)

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

Grade

GS7

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-12-01

Standard Job Description

Senior Executive Support Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position of Senior Executive Support Associate is located within a Division/Bureau or Office of the Representation/Head of Office. The role of this position is to provide administrative and secretarial support services to the Head of Office or immediate Supervisor, in order to ensure the smooth running of the Office and its flow and management of information. This would involve direct contact with other staff members and contacts with high ranking officials, both within and outside UNHCR. The incumbent prioritizes tasks and organises work independently based on direction from the Supervisor and has access to highly sensitive and confidential information.

The Executive Support positions at G7 grade level are normally supervised by senior management positions at D2 or above.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR”s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Arrange appointments and maintain Supervisor”s calendar, ensure attendance and well set up of meeting rooms, place and screen telephone calls and answer queries with discretion.
– Manage the flow of information to/from the Supervisor and other senior staff; identify priority matters that need to be urgently addressed or signed by the Supervisor.
– Confer with senior managers and Heads of Sections to secure timely and authoritative information relevant to matters requiring action, facilitating decisions by or authorised approvals from the Supervisor. Follow up to ensure that appropriate action is being taken by senior managers on tasks determined by the Supervisor.
– Prepare briefing materials for Supervisor for official trips or special meetings.
– Arrange meetings with high-ranking officials and official receptions given by the Supervisor.
– Ensure that high-level visitors are appropriately informed, that they receive background information as necessary, and that the necessary protocols are respected.
– Prepare informal translations if required.
– Receive screen, log and route correspondence, attach necessary background information and maintain follow-up system.
– Select and make pertinent abstracts and undertake searches for information.
– Draft non-substantive correspondence and ensure follow-up.
– Type correspondence, documents and reports, etc., some of which are highly confidential.
– Maintain a file management system according to UNHCR policies, including general and confidential files.
– Keep lists of names, addresses and telephone numbers of ministers, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
– Ensure administrative procedures (travel, hospitality expenses, etc.) will be timely concluded.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 – 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Secretarial, Business Administration, Human Resources, Office Management
or a related field
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.

Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*CO-Drafting and Documentation
CO-Editing
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

Desired candidate profile – Senior Executive Support Associate
• Proven experience supporting senior executives in high-pressure environments and demonstrate the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong track record in calendar management, including scheduling across multiple time zones and Experience in event planning, from small meetings to large-scale conferences
• Experience in travel coordination for high level visitors, including visa arrangements, itineraries, and logistics.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills for preparing briefing notes, speeches, and official correspondence.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and impactful documents.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, etc. for collaboration and workflow management
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity and ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Fluency in French and good knowledge of English

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

French

,

English

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Editing, IT-Computer Literacy, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Education

Certifications

Business Administration – Other, Human Resources – Other, Office Management – Other, Secretarial – Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance