Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations System efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most complex emergencies, and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Afghan people are grappling with the impact of conflict, poverty, economic decline, and natural disasters. In this context, Afghan women and girls face unique vulnerabilities and require urgent support as gender inequality is interwoven with conflict dynamics and humanitarian needs. It is essential that Afghan women and girls can continue to shape the development of their country, and that their gains are protected. UN Women remains fully committed to supporting Afghan women and girls and to putting them at the center of the global response to the crisis in Afghanistan.

UN Women has been in Afghanistan for two decades. UN Women’s programming approach is informed by analysis of the political, economic and humanitarian situation, risks to and capacities of partner organizations, and needs of Afghan women and girls. UN Women Afghanistan currently has four key programme priorities: (1) Gender in Humanitarian Action, (2) Ending Violence Against Women, (3) Women’s Economic Empowerment, and (4) Women, Peace and Security.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative, the Executive Assistant ensures effective and efficient functioning of the Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative office, full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, maintenance of protocol procedures, management of information flow and follow-up on deadlines and commitments made.

The Executive Assistant to Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative works in close collaboration with UN WOMEN staff, UN Agencies and national authorities to ensure efficient flow of information, actions on instructions, agendas.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Ensures effective and efficient functioning of the Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative offices focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Maintenance of the supervisor’s calendar, contacts with high-ranking visitors, arrangement of appointments and meetings, acting as an interpreter when required and/or taking minutes;
  •  Maintenance of protocol procedures;
  •  Preparation of high-quality briefing materials for supervisor for appointments, meetings, missions;
  •  Preparation of informal translations;
  •  Management of Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative Missions and representation schedule;
  •  Maintenance of rosters of high-level partners, telephone lists;
  •  Preparation of correspondence, directives, comments on behalf of Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative for his/her signature and making follow-up when required;
  •  Use of automated office management systems for effective functioning of the Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative office;
  •  Maintenance of small IT-related matters of Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative computer and coordinate with the IT section for maintenance of emails, internet, etc for Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative;
  •  Maintenance of UN WOMEN Afghanistan calendar of events, meetings, sessions, and of UNCT calendar related to UN WOMEN;

       2. Ensures provision of adequate communications support to the office focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Maintenance of the filing system, ensuring the safekeeping of confidential materials. Use of automated filing system;
  •  Coordination of the information flow in the office, follow up on circulation files;
  •  Facilitation of information sharing between UNCT and the UN WOMEN;
  •  Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative;
  •  Screening of all incoming calls and correspondence;
  •  Presentation of proposals to eliminate communication bottlenecks in the office and streamline office procedures between the supervisor’s office and subordinate division;

       3.Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
  •  Organization of specialized trainings for secretaries and admin staff;
  •  Organization of trainings to UN WOMEN staff on coordination, administration and protocol issues;

 

 

Competencies

Core Values:

  • Respect for Diversity
  • Integrity
  • Professionalism

Core Competencies:

  • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
  • Accountability
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Inclusive Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

Functional Competencies

  • Knowledge of procurement processes, systems, administrative rules and regulations;
  • Knowledge in the use of spreadsheets and database packages;
  • Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines;
  • Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions;
  • Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;
  • Good IT and web-based management skills;
  • Ability to travel inside and outside the country;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Completion of secondary education is required;
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration or public administration is an asset;

Skills and Experience:

  • At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience with administrative, secretarial, or program experience;  Experience in the use of computer applications, software packages such as Microsoft Office, and web-based management systems; is an asset; Experience with Quantum system is an asset;

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English and Dari/Pashto is required;
  • Knowledge of other UN official working language is an asset;

Application:

Note:

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality, and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Inclusion Statement:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits employ, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (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.)