SENIOR STAFF ASSISTANT

Organizational Context

The United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) provides support to key Haitian and international entities, including the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), BINUH, HNP, and the Haitian Armed Forces. UNSOH also delivers technical assistance to the Organization of American States (OAS). This Senior Staff Assistant role is situated within the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General in Port-au-Prince, reporting directly to the ASG.

Job Purpose

The Senior Staff Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) in Haiti by managing their complex schedule, correspondence, and official engagements. This involves screening and prioritizing sensitive communications, drafting official documents, and ensuring timely follow-up on action items. The position serves as a vital liaison for administrative matters between the ASG's office and various UN components, government officials, and international partners. Additionally, the role is responsible for coordinating the ASG's travel, providing comprehensive administrative support, and managing office IT platforms to ensure efficient operations and effective workflow management within the ASG's Front Office.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include managing the ASG's calendar, appointments, and meetings with high-level officials. This involves screening, prioritizing, and handling all incoming and outgoing correspondence, including confidential and sensitive materials. The role requires drafting, formatting, editing, and finalizing various documents for the ASG, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Effective follow-up on decisions and action points from meetings is essential. The Senior Staff Assistant acts as a primary liaison for administrative issues between the ASG and mission components, UN Headquarters, BINUH, and the GSF. Travel coordination, including itineraries and clearances, is also a core duty. Furthermore, the position provides administrative support for attendance, leave, travel claims, and requisitions, while also managing office IT platforms like SharePoint and ensuring staff are trained.

Work Experience

A minimum of eight years of working experience in UN field operations within the UN Common System is required. This includes at least four years of progressive experience supporting a high-ranking UN Official. Experience in providing personal assistance and administrative support in the front office of a Head of Mission, and experience in international operations within a conflict environment, are also required.

Skills

Professionalism, tact, discretion, excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, good judgment, conscientiousness, efficiency, persistence, ability to remain calm under stress, teamwork, and planning & organizing skills are essential. Proficiency in English and French is required.

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