Support Services Senior Officer
Job categories: Administration
Vacancy code: VA/2024/B5004/28541
Level: ICS-9
Department/office: GPO, NYPO, Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio
Duty station: New York, United States of America
Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: IICA-1
Duration: Ongoing contract (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration)*
Application period: 15-Jul-2024 to 28-Jul-2024
Deadline: 28 July 2024
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Background Information – Job-specific
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations.
New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures, and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions, and polarization that militate against such a consensus. UNAOC hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.
The complex, demanding dialogue of civilizations, cultures, and religions is necessary, possible, and fruitful. It is a critical tool against isolation, mistrust, and confrontation, and it is also the most powerful incentive for understanding and tolerance. History has shown that dialogue is not a simple process. If we fail to teach and cultivate it, the situation can give way to a monologue or to mutism, which is conducive to conflict and violent extremism.
On November 25-27 2024, the UNAOC will organize the 10th Global Forum. Nearly 1,200 participants (state and non-state representatives) are expected to take part in the Forum and engage in various working sessions, plenaries and other important sessions.
An Organizing Committee for the 10th Global Forum of UNAOC has been set up to oversee all substantive and logistical preparations of the Forum. It will seek assistance from a number of short-term external experts and support consultants, who will help to ensure smooth and timely delivery of expected milestones and outcomes of the Forum.
The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full administrative and financial responsibility.
Functional Responsibilities
Event management support:
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the 10th UNAOC Global Forum;
- Participate in preparatory meetings of the Organizing Committee;
- Maintain databases, update and verifying the accuracy of data using online sources; update tracking files, including verifying if confirmed participants registered for the Forum or not yet;
- Draft formal letters of invitation and notes verbale, using existing templates;
- Circulate Forum-related documentation; distribute materials during plenary, breakout sessions and other events per the Forum’s programme;
- When requested, liaise with Forum participants concerning their travel arrangements, accommodation, transportation, etc;
- Assist with rooming lists’ verification process;
- Support the rehearsal processes for various segments of the Forum;
- Assist the Organizing Committee with logistical arrangements related to the plenary, breakout sessions and other special events organized in the context of the Forum (protocol, nameplates, water, decoration, etc.);
- Prepare for an official mission of the UNAOC Delegation to Portugal and provide on-site support throughout the Forum;
- Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
Communications support:
- Perform research related to content for Forum-related materials (concept notes, background information, profiles of potential speakers, compilation of bios and photos, etc.);
- Provide support to the UNAOC communications team with collecting quotes for social media posts;
- Provide support to the UNAOC communications team with, ensuring adequate branding throughout the Forum venues;
- Act as a rapporteur during the Forum sessions, prepare summary notes and contribute to the Forum report preparation.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Event Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.
- A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and 2 years of work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
Required:
- A minimum of two (2) year of relevant experience in general administrative or operations support services in national or international public or corporate organizations is required;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Very strong attention to details;
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team;
- Wiliness to travel and work flexible hours as needed.
Desirable: (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)
- Experience in the UN system organizations is desirable.
- Strong organizational and project management skills
Language
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of French or other UN working languages is desired.
- Portuguese language skill constitutes an added advantage.
Competencies
- Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
- Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
- Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
- Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
- Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
- Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
Contract level: IICA-1 (ICS 9)
* Contract duration: From 01 September to 10 December 2024. The contract for this position is set for a duration until 10 December 2024, with termination upon its conclusion. Any need for services beyond this initial period will be communicated to the incumbent accordingly.
Duty station: New York, USA (with the requirement to travel to Portugal)
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.