Administrative Specialist, Temporary Appointment (10 months), P3, Kabul, Afghanistan, #130042 (Open to non-Afghan Nationals only)

Afghanistan Country office is seeking an experienced Administrative Specialist responsible to accountable for provision of managerial leadership and policy guidance for achievement of effective administrative service management and staff capacity development. Collaborate with Operations management efficient administrative operations in support of the Office and country programmes. S/he ensures the office’s administrative operations and services are effectively in compliance with the organization’s administrative policy, procedures, rules, and regulations.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkJiMmvKqk

How can you make a difference? 

As the manager and specialist of administrative management services typically in a small to medium size country office, the incumbent is accountable for provision of managerial leadership and policy guidance for achievement of effective administrative service management and staff capacity development. Collaborate with Operations management efficient administrative operations in support of the Office and country programmes. Ensures the office’s administrative operations and services are effectively in compliance with the organization’s administrative policy, procedures, rules and regulations.   

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

1. Policy, procedures and strategies

As technical specialist and manager, accountable for the correct and consistent application of policies and procedures in the management of administrative functions through the provision of technical leadership, guidance and support to the country office and sub-offices where applicable.   

Contributes to global, regional and country strategic planning and policy changes/formulation on administrative matters as necessary.  Provides technical input to the establishment of administrative guidelines in close coordination with the head of office, Chief of Operations and DFAM.  

2. Budget management

Recommends and prepares estimates on office premises, supplies and equipment requirements for budget preparation purposes.  Assists zone offices in the establishment and maintenance of administrative services. Prepares monitors and controls the administrative budget. 

3. Administrative support and services

Ensures timely and effective delivery and improvement in administrative support and office services for enhanced quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness, including space management, transport services, vehicle use and maintenance, equipment, conference and travel arrangements, document reproduction, communications, mail and delivery services, local procurement and bill payments of utilities.

4. Property management

Prepares Property Survey Board submissions for the Senior Operations Officer; prepares minutes of meetings and assists the Senior Operations Officer in executing PSB recommendations approved by the Head of Office.

5. Contract arrangement and control

Reviews all contractual arrangements related to administrative support (i.e. courier, premises maintenance, ancillary administrative support, vehicle maintenance, equipment maintenance etc.) to ensure that the terms and conditions of all contracts are being adhered to by providers of services.  Proposes to supervisor any changes that may be required.

6. Staff learning and development

Develops training programmes to enhance effective performance and efficiency in admin. services management. 

7. Partnership, coordination and collaboration

Facilitates and maintains effective working relations with other agencies, local authorities and implementing partners relating to administrative matters for enhancement of information exchange, collaboration, and harmonization. 

8. Performs any other duties and responsibilities assigned as required.

Ensure to provide quality services to the beneficiaries in a timely and cost-effective manner in performing additional duties and responsibilities assigned in conformance with the policy, standards, rules, and regulations.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: [JD/TOR Administrative Specialist P3, Kabul]

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Advanced university degree in social sciences, business management, administration, finance, or any other relevant field of discipline.

Five years of relevant professional work experience.

Both national and international work experience in office management, administration, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, supply or any other relevant function.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.