Senior Administrative Assistant

UNHCR Ethiopia is recruiting a Senior Administrative Assistant (GS‑5) in Gambella Sub‑Office for a General Service appointment in 2026. This full‑time role provides essential administrative, financial, and human resources support to ensure smooth operational delivery in one of Ethiopia’s most complex refugee contexts. Based in a hardship duty station, the position requires resilience, accuracy under pressure, and strong organizational skills. The Senior Administrative Assistant will play a key role in maintaining personnel records, managing office documentation, supporting financial processes, and liaising with government counterparts and partners to sustain UNHCR’s mission.

2) About UNHCR Ethiopia

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, works to protect and assist refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons worldwide. In Ethiopia, UNHCR supports large refugee populations, including those in Gambella, through protection, humanitarian assistance, and durable solutions. The organization operates under the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations, and UNHCR’s policies, ensuring professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity in all operations.

3) Job Overview

The Senior Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to UNHCR’s Gambella Sub‑Office and Nyinenyang Field Office. Reporting to the Assistant Administrative Officer, the incumbent manages personnel records, office documentation, and administrative workflows.

The role also supports financial processes such as payments, vendor communication, revenue tracking, and expenditure monitoring. The Senior Administrative Assistant ensures compliance with UNHCR’s administrative and financial rules, regulations, and procedures while enabling smooth operational delivery in a hardship duty station.

4) Key Responsibilities

• Interpret and process staff entitlements, contracts, and personnel records.
• Administer staff movement, attendance, leave plans, overtime, and visa requirements.
• Maintain office files and records; prepare reports and correspondence.
• Requisition and distribute office supplies and equipment with inventory records.
• Support travel arrangements, visa renewals, and related formalities.
• Draft confidential correspondence and reports.
• Manage supervisor’s calendar, appointments, and visitor reception.
• Organize office and residential compounds; facilitate official missions.
• Prepare attestations and certificates for staff.
• Process medical insurance and other staff claims.
• Support risk identification and management in administrative functions.
• Perform other related duties as required.

5) Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• High School Diploma with 2 years relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree with 1 year relevant experience.

Work Experience

• Administrative support experience in office management, finance, or HR.

Technical Skills

• IT‑Computer Literacy*
• UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations, and Procedures*
• PeopleSoft Applications*

Soft Skills

• Organizational awareness, teamwork, communication, and client orientation.

(*Essential skills as per UNHCR standards)

6) Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience in complex emergency contexts and multi‑office operations.
• Knowledge of Cloud ERP systems (Payables, Receivables, Procurement, Travel).
• Asset management and Low Value Purchasing (LVP) experience.
• Prior experience with audits and financial reporting.
• Cross‑cultural sensitivity and stakeholder coordination skills.

7) Duty Station Work Location

• Primary Location: Gambella Sub‑Office, Ethiopia
• Additional Coverage: Nyinenyang Field Office
• Work Mode: Onsite, hardship duty station (non‑family assignment)

8) Salary & Benefits

Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance with the organization’s pay scale and Ethiopian labor standards.

9) How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications through the official UNHCR recruitment portal before February 15, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

10) Equal Opportunity Statement

UNHCR Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of background, promoting fair employment practices in Ethiopia.