Administrative Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNAMA is a political mission that provides political good offices in Afghanistan; works with and supports the government; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.

UNAMA was established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002 at the request of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Its mandate is reviewed annually with the latest mandate renewal being on 15 September 2020 when the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2543 (2020) Resolution 2543 (2020) calls for UNAMA and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, within their mandate and in a manner consistent with Afghan sovereignty, leadership and ownership, to continue to lead and coordinate international civilian efforts in full cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan. UNAMA maintains a permanent and extensive field presence across Afghanistan.

Manages the Human Resources front office; Provides advice and answers general queries from clients; Re-direct appropriate HR related queries to the relevant Human Resources focal points as required; Reviews/drafts correspondences faxes, routine memos and information circulars on behalf of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO); Provides backstopping for other units within the Human Resources and Training Section during peak periods of activity or when there is a shortage of staff; Maintains electronic files, tracks and monitors various Human Resources activities; Supports with the management of the check-in/check-out of staff; Undertakes other projects as assigned by the CHRO.

Accountability Communication Planning and Organizing Professionalism Working in Teams

A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience within the United Nations system or the private sector in the field of administrative services, finance, accounting, human resources, audit, or in other related fields is required.
Proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications is required. Experience in international operations in a post-conflict environment is desirable.

Afghanistan is a hardship duty station with a volatile security. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. In Kabul the mission operates from UNOCA Compound (UN Operational Complex in Afghanistan).

Generally speaking stringent security measures are in place throughout the country and UN volunteers just like other UN staff, are limited when it comes to movement. The movement is done inside the “green box” (only) mostly in armored vehicles driven by national qualified UN drivers.

Upon arrival, volunteers are accommodated at the UNV designated accommodations within the UNOCA compound for a fix charge of US$ 10 per day (US$ 300 per month for a room), exclusive of food. Inside the UNOCA compound are two cafeterias, a restaurant, a “Superette” and 3 small shops which provide a variety of imported canned and frozen food on offer. There is a Fresh vegetable market daily. There is also a social center, a gym hall and a small library with books and DVDs, run by the welfare Office, within the same compound. Most produce/staples are common in the markets e.g. rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt etc. UNOCA has a new minimarket where basic goods can be bought.

Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex and access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics.

Contact with and outreach to the local community is usually limited. As mentioned many places are off-limits and the choice of recreational facilities are very poor. For all these reasons, bring a stock of books, DVDs/VCDs, computer games, etc., is highly recommended.

Living allowances are paid in US$ at the end of each month, but bank transfers by UNAMA to accounts abroad are possible.

Summer in Afghanistan is hot and dry but winter is the opposite – cold and wet. Therefore, both summer and winter clothing and comfortable boots with insulation are necessary. Most common consumer articles are available in Kabul (and in the regions).

Afghanistan is a unique country and UNAMA is a unique UN mission. It requires more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are absolutely essential.