UNICEF is looking for Programme Assistant (GS-5), Polio Outbreak Response Team – Outposted Geneva, # 00106949

Description

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

 

For every child, a childhood…

In 1988 UNICEF joined the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to end polio by reaching every child with safe oral polio vaccine. When GPEI was launched, polio was paralyzing 350,000 children every year in 125 countries. Today, thanks to the global effort for polio eradication, polio is endemic in only three countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria).

Within the GPEI, UNICEF is leading in vaccine management and social mobilization, reaching 400 million of children with polio vaccines multiple times every year in more than 70 countries. UNICEF plays a critical role thanks to its global presence and its commitment to equity and to reaching every child.

We have made remarkable progress against polio in the last three decades, with cases falling by more than 99% since 1988, when the global effort to eradicate polio was launched. However, many challenges remain including polio outbreaks.

You will support the Polio Outbreak Response team in Geneva by carrying out a range of procedural, administrative, secretarial and operational tasks, to help develop, implement and monitor the programme, ensuring timely and effective delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

 

How can you make a difference? 

• Assist in basic research, drafting of presentations, statements, day-to-day correspondences and memos. Prioritize and track the schedule of meetings and respond to information queries in person or by telephone or e-mail.
• Receive, review and route incoming correspondence and on behalf of the supervisor follow up on actions taken by other members of unit.
• Arrange for the Senior Programme Manager’s participation in internal and external meetings, conferences and visits to UNICEF regional and country offices, and prepare background information and briefings on sponsoring offices and institution as required.
• Arrange for telephone/video conferences, workshops and face-to-face meetings. Co-ordinate logistical arrangements, i.e., travel, conference facilities, amenities and secretarial assistance.
• Arrange travel for the unit using online bookings tools to set-up itinerary, requesting visa, security and medical clearance, hotel booking and ground transportation.
• Maintain travel plan, certifications in VISION in coordination with travel unit, manage travel arrangements including preparation of TAs, processing of itinerary, visas, health and security clearances and other related work for travel of professional staff, and for consultants, as necessary.
• Act as Focal person for administrative and personnel issues for the team.  Monitor and follow-up on personnel-related matters pertaining to Polio staff and consultants
• Process all invoices for staff members, consultants, vendors and institutional contracts
• Assist in the preparation and processing of individual and institutional contracts, internship arrangements, TA and FT paperwork as required ensuring that the Terms of Reference, and other required background documentation are in order, including using correct budget codes and ensuring availability of funding.
• Provide support in preparation of interviews for recruitment and liaise with Polio Operations Assistant in NYHQ to ensure supporting documentation is in order.
• Assist in preparation of Annual Work Plans budget, flag any deviations from agreed plans and coordinate with the Operations Assistant and Polio Finance team in NYHQ, as needed.
• Monitor and update the financial commitments and expenditures against the budget within Cross-Sectoral Areas such as travel, contracts, and meeting expenditures in coordination with NYHQ team.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• Completion of Secondary Education (i.e. High School Diploma) is a minimum requirement, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in an administrative/clerical capacity is required.
• Working knowledge of UNICEF programme policies and administrative and financial procedures is desirable.
• Advanced computer literacy and the ability to effectively use standard office software tools (MS Office, Enterprise database) and other office technology to create documentation, exchange and archive e-mail, and maintain electronic filing systems is highly desirable.
• Passing the GGST Exam (Global General Service Test) or UN ASAT in English is required.
• Applicants must be in possession of a work permit in Geneva or be a permanent resident/citizen of Switzerland.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset

 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. To view our competency framework, please click here.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Apply now