ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in Dakar, Senegal, serving the Office of the Chief of Mission Support. The role also acts as Head of the Supply and Facilities Management Unit for UNOWAS and the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC). The Administrative Officer is crucial for effective mission support, supply chain, and facilities management across multiple locations, directly contributing to the mission mandate.

Job Purpose

The Administrative Officer serves as the principal advisor and direct support to the Chief of Mission Support, overseeing key administrative functions including Human Resources, Budget and Finance, Supply Chain, Facilities Management, and General Administration. This role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and compliant execution of mission support operations across UNOWAS and CNMC field offices in three countries. The incumbent manages recruitment processes, financial forecasting, budget proposals, and acts as a Certifying Officer. Responsibilities extend to overseeing facilities maintenance, procurement, inventory management, and negotiating administrative agreements. The role also involves liaising with various stakeholders, including local authorities and UN agencies, and supporting audits, thereby directly enabling the fulfilment of the mission's mandate through professional logistical and administrative support.

Responsibilities

Manage Human Resources functions, including participating in recruitment panels, supporting staff selection, and developing induction programs. Oversee Budget and Finance operations, including financial forecasting, preparing cost estimates, and serving as a Certifying Officer to ensure compliance with UN Financial Rules. Lead Supply Chain and Facilities Management by coordinating procurement, storage, and distribution of goods, maintaining inventory and asset records, overseeing building operations and maintenance, and managing related contracts. Ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental standards. Handle General Administration by developing and monitoring work plans, managing delegated authority, negotiating administrative agreements, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders. Support audits, represent the mission on various boards, produce reports, and provide guidance to junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administration, budget, finance, accounting, or human resources management is required. Experience within the UN system and knowledge of IPSAS and UMOJA are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Teamwork, knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies and procedures, ability to apply UN administrative rules, analytical and evaluative skills, research and analysis capabilities, problem-solving, efficiency, and stress management.

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