ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Organizational Context

This Administrative Assistant position is based in the Regional Hub for Central and West Africa (RHCWA) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The role reports to the Associate Administrative Officer, supporting the operational functions of the regional hub.

Job Purpose

The Administrative Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the operational efficiency of the OHCHR Regional Hub for Central and West Africa. This position is responsible for managing a wide range of administrative, human resources, and financial tasks. Key duties include processing personnel actions, responding to staff inquiries on entitlements and procedures, monitoring staffing tables, and assisting with budget preparation and expenditure monitoring. The role also involves general administrative support, drafting correspondence, coordinating with various units, and potentially guiding junior staff. By ensuring smooth administrative processes, the incumbent contributes to the effective functioning and mandate delivery of the OHCHR in the region.

Responsibilities

Manage human resources activities, including initiating, reviewing, and processing recruitment actions for staff and consultants, managing performance appraisals, and ensuring adherence to UN rules. Provide information and guidance to staff on entitlements and administrative procedures. Oversee vacancy announcements and process personnel actions through UMOJA. Monitor staffing tables and generate statistical data. Assist in budget preparation, review financial proposals, and monitor expenditures against approved budgets. Prepare financial reports and coordinate with finance and budget staff. Handle general administrative duties such as drafting correspondence, coordinating with service units and internal teams, managing operational travel, and overseeing vendor payments. Support physical space planning, IT needs, and the organization of events. May supervise junior staff and assist with data collection, analysis, and report preparation for decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, or human resources is required. This is reduced to two years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Experience with an ERP system like Umoja is mandatory. One year of data analytics experience and experience within the UN common system or a similar international organization are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism in administrative functions (budget, HR, database management), knowledge of UN rules and regulations, data analysis, planning and organizing, time management, client orientation, and effective communication.

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