Executive 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.

UNHCR in Cameroon works in a context of multifaceted crises within the country in the Northwest and Southwest regions, the Far North region and climate change fueling inter-ethnic conflicts in the Logone and Birni region as well as suffers the impact from regional conflicts and climate change which have heightened the protection concerns in the country. Furthermore, Cameroon also experiences the effects of the post COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war on the socio-economic conditions of the forcibly displaced people and stateless and their host communities. Under the Multi-Country Platform approach, since January 2020 Cameroon also covers Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome & Principe without a physical presence. The Multicountry Office in Cameroon plays an active role within the United Nations Country Team and leads the Protection, Shelter/NFI and CCCM clusters both at central and field level. To fulfil the international protection mandate to the forcibly displaced people and stateless, UNHCR works closely in partnership with governmental, humanitarian, development, private sector and civil society actors. As of 31 October 2023, Cameroon has 2,196,969 forcibly displaced people, including 475,729 registered refugees, 9,240 asylum seekers, 1,066,254 internally displaced persons and 645,746 returnees. This population includes 354,078 Central African

Republic refugees hosted in the eastern part of the country in the regions of Adamawa, East and North. There are also, 118,728 Nigerian refugees in the Far- north region and 37,030 urban refugees and asylum seekers of various nationalities who are mainly located in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala. In Gabon, UNHCR covers a total of 211 refugees and 80 asylum seekers. UNHCR has its physical presence in Cameroon as follows: 01 Branch Office in Yaoundé, 03 Sub Offices: Bertoua, Maroua, and Douala, 03 Field Office: Djohong, Meiganga, and Kousseri, 02 Field Unit: Batouri and Bamenda.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the MCO Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Executive Assistant will Assist: - In managing the flow of information to the supervisor, - In identifying priority matters that need to be urgently addressed by the supervisor and in proposing actions; - Analyze supporting documentation and summarize most relevant points for the supervisor; - Contribute to ensuring that appropriate action is taken by responsible Section Heads on matters brought to the attention of the supervisor; Assist in following-up on policies and instructions presented by the supervisor. - Keep the Supervisor informed of developments in UNHCR’s major operations in the West and Central Africa regions, and of policies issues related directly to UNHCR or to humanitarian issues under the broader UN system. - Assist the supervisor in the preparation of statements that represent UNHCR’s overall policies, and which highlight specific areas of concern. - Propose and draft substantive correspondence for the supervisor. (SMC notes, talking points, meeting notes). - Confer with Section Heads to secure timely and authoritative information relevant to matters requiring action, decisions or the signature of the supervisor. - Ensure that the supervisor is prepared for meetings and missions by drafting talking points, by researching relevant information; and by establishing contacts (within and outside UNHCR) on the subject matters to be discussed. - Accompany the supervisor to meetings and on missions in order to prepare notes on the discussions, ensure follow-up in matters raised, and support the supervisor with any relevant input. - Support the supervisor in efforts to raise the profile of UNHCR and the agency’s concerns within the context of the broader United Nations system. - Contribute to coordinating drafts of position papers and other documents relevant to the activities of the Office. - Ensure that high-level visitors are appropriately addressed, that they receive background information.

Results/expected outputs

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism; • Integrity; • Teamwork and respect for diversity; • Commitment to continuous learning; • Planning and organizing; • Communication; • Flexibility

professional work experience relevant to the function, or other relevant programmes; experience with embassies is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • A proven ability to act with discretion and diplomacy is essential for this function; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Knowledge of additional UN languages such as Spanish and/or Portuguese is an asset; • Strong skills on social media (X, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok etc…) • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in protection, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development and good knowledge and experience of UN operations.

Yaounde is the political capital of Cameroon and the second most populated city in the country after Douala. It is the headquarters of the UN, several international organizations and embassies. Yaounde features a tropical wet and dry climate with constant temperatures throughout the year and high temperatures ranging from 27 to 29 degrees C. Yaounde also features a lengthy wet season covering a ten-month span between February and November. However, there is a noticeable decrease in precipitation within the wet season, seen during the months of July and August. Electricity cuts and water shortages are frequent. Criminality is on the rise. The official languages of Cameroon are English and French. Visa, passport and yellow fever vaccination card are required for entry. Other vaccinations are strongly recommended. https://www.unv.org/

Cameroon is a unique country and UNHCR is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.