Country: Costa Rica
Closing date: 16 Dec 2017
Post Title:Executive AssistantProposed Level: G-5Duty Station: San Jose, Costa RicaSupervisor:Representative
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
For every child, a champion
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Representative, the Executive Assistant ensures effective and efficient functioning of the Representative’s Office, full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, maintenance of protocol procedures, management of information flow and follow-up on deadlines and commitments made.
How can you make a difference?
The post is a key interface with a broad range of contacts including high-ranking officials, both within and outside the Organization to ensure efficient flow of information, actions on instructions, agendas. The post prioritizes tasks and organizes work independently based on general direction from the supervisor.
We are looking for a dynamic Executive Assistant to support UNICEF’s Costa Rica programmes in the following areas:
Executive assistance and secretarial support services provided to the Representative to facilitate smooth running of the Office and effective processing of information and data.
Professional image projected through in-person and telephone interaction. Discretion exercised with confidential information and complex sensitive subject matter.
Knowledgeable delivery of quality services contributing to achievement of work objectives.
Executive assistance and secretarial support services provided to the Representative to facilitate smooth running of the Office and effective processing of information and data.
Helps manage the immediate office operations with respect to communications, meetings and work flow; identifies complex or sensitive subjects, and contacts, for special treatment as well as priority issues that need to be brought to the supervisor’s attention. As appropriate, provides information and guidance to staff at all levels within the organizational unit to ensure understanding of intent and deadlines.
Establishes internal tracking systems and procedures for correspondence and documents; monitor work progress and cases of priority and concern to the supervisor.
Arranges appointments and maintains supervisor’s calendar, receiving high ranking visitors, places and screens telephone calls and answers enquiries; Organizes high-level meetings including taking responsibility for finalization of the meeting agenda, invitations, the production and distribution of documentation, and preparation of minutes of meetings. Distribute meeting reports and information and ensure follows-up on required actions.
Organizes and facilitates the administrative work of the office including establishing internal procedures and tracking systems for correspondence and documents: receives screens and registers correspondence and documents.
Collects and prepare briefing materials for supervisor concerning official trips or special meetings. Undertake travel arrangements for supervisor, including arranging itinerary, visas, and hotel reservations. Ensure offices are informed of travel arrangements and requirements. Brief supervisor of important developments upon their return.
Professional image projected through in-person and telephone interaction. Discretion exercised with confidential information and complex sensitive subject matter.
Keeps abreast of activities of importance, latest policies, procedures and organizational changes affecting the team.
Establishes and maintains a records management system containing reference materials and confidential records as required.
Prepares briefing materials for supervisor concerning official trips or special meetings; drafts responses to written inquiries on a variety of routine and non-routine questions; communicates sensitive information to senior management and coordinates responses to sensitive inquiries on behalf of the supervisor.
Effective preparation and knowledgeable delivery of correspondence/communications, documentation and reports contributing to achievement of work objectives
Prepares correspondence for the supervisor’s signature, and may make informal translations into another official languages as required. Draft non-substantive correspondence based on first-hand knowledge of work schedule or events, rough notes, or verbal instructions, for supervisor’s approval.
Communicates sensitive information to senior level managers and coordinate responses to sensitive inquiries on behalf of the supervisor.
Follows up on the preparation by staff of reports, correspondence, briefing notes and other documents for the supervisor’s reference. Reviews these documents for appropriate format and style, in accordance with standard practices.
Selects and makes pertinent abstracts and undertake searches for information as directed.
Undertakes any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
For every Child, you demonstrate:
Core Values:
Core competencies
Functional Competencies
To qualify as a champion for every child you will have:
General Service Staff are recruited locally. Candidates must be in possession of an existing work permit or resident/citizen of Costa Rica to be considered eligible for this post. Please note that General Service (GS) staff are locally recruited staff and therefore, candidates are personally responsible for any travel and accommodation arrangements.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.
Please note that the closing date for the vacancy is 15 December 2017 at 11:59 PM.
How to apply:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=509072