Senior Administrative Associate

Manage and monitor complex correspondence and documentation.

IOM - UN Migration

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Application deadline in 1 day: Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 at 18:55 UTC

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Overview

Manage and monitor complex correspondence and documentation.

You have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience.
  • High school diploma with six years of relevant professional experience.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, Outlook.
  • Attention to detail and ability to organise paperwork in a methodical way.
  • Discreet, details and clients-oriented, patient and willingness to learn new things.
  • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
  • Experience with Microsoft SharePoint, including document management, content administration and information-sharing platforms, is an advantage.
  • Fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-6 contracts.

This is a Fixed Term contract. More about Fixed Term contracts.

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

TO COPY-PASTE FROM POSTING DESCRIPTION

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • High school diploma with six years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, Outlook;
  • Attention to detail, ability to organise paperwork in a methodical way;
  • Discreet, details and clients-oriented, patient and willingness to learn new things; and,
  • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
  • Experience with Microsoft SharePoint, including document management, content administration and information-sharing platforms, is an advantage.

Skills

  • Thorough knowledge of resources management functions, including human resources, finance, procurement and supply chain, ICT and general administration.
  • Knowledge of UN policies, instructions, procedures and administrative systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive correspondence, documentation and reporting requirements.
  • Experience in management coordination, monitoring of follow-up actions and facilitation of governance processes.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
  • Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
  • Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
  • Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
  • Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Responsibilities

  1. Manage and monitor a large and diversified volume of complex correspondence and documentation, often of confidential and sensitive nature; ensure appropriate routing, reply, prioritisation, accuracy, consistency, informal translation and timeliness. Bring complex, sensitive or priority issues to the supervisor’s attention.
  2. Provide information and guidance to staff at all levels within the organisational unit; ensure understanding of intent and deadlines.
  3. Arrange appointments and duty travels for the division, maintain supervisor’s calendar and receive visitors.
  4. Organise meetings, finalise agendas and invitations, ensure the production and distribution of documentation, take notes and prepare minutes, and follow up on required actions.
  5. Organise and coordinate the work performed by other office support staff, where applicable. Coordinate activities across the division, including divisional issues, deadlines and other requests;
  6. Establish internal procedures and tracking systems for correspondence and documents; verify that work is done in accordance with corporate standards; monitor work progress.
  7. Respond to written inquiries and draft responses to non-routine questions. Coordinate responses to sensitive enquiries on behalf of the supervisor, where applicable.
  8. Follow up on the preparation of reports, correspondence, briefing notes and other documents; review documents and make changes to their format or style in accordance with standard practices. Conduct research and prepare briefing materials for the supervisor; provide informal translations into another official language.
  9. Coordinate, monitor and process administrative actions for the division (human resources, contracts, procurement, accounting, finance, logistics) in IOM's computerised systems.
  10. Evaluate ongoing support requirements of the Division, adapt service provision to meet changing needs and solve operational problems as required.
  11. Ensure the initiation of a variety of transactions in the organisation’s computerised administrative systems.
  12. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you had to manage a large volume of correspondence. What strategies did you implement? This question assesses your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Share specific strategies you used to handle correspondence efficiently.
How do you ensure accuracy and consistency in your documentation? This question evaluates your attention to detail and quality of work. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a challenging situation with a client and how you handled it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with coordinating meetings and agendas? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools do you use for document management and why? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to work in a multicultural environment. What challenges did you face? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you continuously seek to learn and improve your skills? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 11 days ago - Updated 3 hours ago - Source: iom.int