Senior Operations Assistant

Organizational Setting

This position is located in the ILO Office for the United Nations based in New York (ILO New York). The Office has the function to interact with the UN Secretariat, UN entities, bodies, Member States and partners based in New York. It organizes high-level events, coordinates the timely submission of technical input to UN reports and initiatives and promotes the ILO’s decent work agenda.

Main Purpose

As a team member, the incumbent provides senior level support with responsibility for performing, completing and overseeing a range of operational and administrative support services in an efficient, effective and client-oriented manner. These relate to the delivery of administrative and office support, HR, finance and travel and logistics, and require the use of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The incumbent plays a key role, demonstrating considerable judgment, in ensuring transparency in the correct application, interpretation and adaptation of established rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines. The incumbent evaluates and proposes solutions to difficult situations and provides inputs into the design and development of improved operational support services and delivery processes.

The position works under the supervision of the ILO Special Representative to the UN and Office Director. Supervision received is focused on facilitating service delivery, ensuring that agreed results are achieved and that work is coordinated and integrated with related services. Work assignments are generally carried out under minimum supervision with the incumbent operating with a high degree of independence, particularly on operational delivery matters. Work is reviewed for feasibility of recommendations and correctness of end results, and on the handling of complex and intricate operational matters involving the new application or interpretation of policy or affecting other related activities of the work unit. 

Working Relationships

Internal contacts are with staff and managers in ILO headquarters in Geneva, field offices, and project locations to provide operational and administrative support and guidance for the delivery of services and the resolution of complex issues in compliance with applicable standards. The incumbent liaises with diverse organizational units to coordinate, prioritize and follow up on activities. 

External contacts are primarily with counterparts in the UN Secretariat, Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and other international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), embassies, permanent missions and concerned authorities to coordinate and follow up on pending issues or to obtain clarification, provide guidance on Office practices and procedures and solve administrative-related matters. The incumbent also liaises with service providers for the completion of pending issues.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

In accordance with the needs and priorities of the ILO New York where the position is located, the incumbent will provide services from among the following duties: 

• Undertake and complete a range of administrative and operational support services encompassing general administration and office support, HR, finance and travel and logistics. Initiate, process, review and follow up on administrative actions, including verifying that information and documentation is in compliance with applicable standards.
• Play a proactive role in the integration and coordination of support services. Oversee and guide the work of support staff as required and ensure a smooth flow of office work and information within the work unit and with other units.
• Prepare, draft and finalize correspondence including of a non-routine nature requiring research and understanding of administrative, operational and programme matters and knowledge of programme areas. Undertake quality control of outgoing documents for accuracy of information, grammar and style and compliance with applicable standards. Provide informal translations.
• Initiate, process and follow up on HR administrative actions, verifying that information is in compliance with applicable standards. Input complete data in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Respond to inquiries and provide general HR-related information to staff. Provide a broad range of HR-related services as required.
• Participate in the preparation and control of the work unit’s accounts regarding allocations and expenditures. Perform operations for authorizing and effectuating expenditures and make adjustments to optimize utilization of funds. Maintain monitoring and reporting systems and prepare budget-related reports and statistics to support the preparation of programme and budget and workplan documentation and financial and technical progress reports for donors.
• Maintain the official travel plan of the work unit. Make travel and accommodation arrangements, coordinate visa and security requirements and ensure the timely processing of administrative transactions. Provide guidance and assistance to staff relating to arrival, departure and official travel formalities. Develop and maintain contacts with counterparts in government departments and external service providers to facilitate travel, visa, shipping and/or other related issues.
• Organize and coordinate meetings, workshops and other events. Lead secretariat support services and oversee administrative and financial arrangements. Prepare and oversee preparation of documents, presentations, briefing files and related materials. Take minutes and follow up on implementation of decisions. Attend and participate in internal and external meetings and workshops in assigned areas of work.
• Ensure the work unit’s filing systems are maintained, accessible and efficient. Ensure the update of websites and databases. Design and generate a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables and other background materials.
  

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• Keep abreast of changes to administrative rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines and other developments and provide guidance and deliver training to staff with the view to building knowledge.
• Evaluate and propose improvements to work methods and processes. Assess the impact of changes and make recommendations on follow up actions. Liaise closely with other administrative areas to ensure effective and smooth service design and delivery, recommending improvements on interrelated processes.
• Perform and/or coordinate other general administrative duties such as those related to attendance and leave recording, office space, registry, inventory and procurement matters.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

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Minimum Requirements

Education

Completion of secondary school education. Training in an area related to general administration and office support.port.

Experience

Minimum of six years of general administration and office/team support work experience, including providing various senior level support services. Experience of working with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. 

Languages

Excellent command English and working knowledge of another official language of the Organization (French or Spanish).

Knowledge and Competencies (technical/behavioural)

• Good knowledge of a range of operational areas.
• Good knowledge of PC software (including word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software) such as Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for assessing quality and efficiency of process execution.
• Knowledge of the of ILO mandate, programmes and activities.
• In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration], this position requires:
• Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems.
• Ability to coordinate and oversee a broad range of operational activities.
• Ability to search, retrieve and compile information from a variety of sources.
• Good drafting skills.
• Ability to coordinate the work of support staff.
• Analytical skills and attention to detail.
• A high degree of discretion with sense of responsibility in dealing with confidential matters.
• Interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.