Job Title: Junior Assistant to the Coordination
Organization: United Nations University (UNU)
Job Location: Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of, Distrito Capital, Caracas UNU-BIOLAC
Job description
About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.
About Institute (UNU-BIOLAC)
Located in Caracas, Venezuela, UNU-BIOLAC was established in 1988. UNU-BIOLAC is a capacity development programme in biotechnology which belongs to the UNU system.
The programme’s primary goal is to provide tools to facilitate training and research in biotechnology, thus contributing to the economic and social development of the Latin American region. These actions are taken keeping a balance between science, technology, and modern society.
The creation of UNU-BIOLAC was considered as a first step in the establishment of an international institute for the development of biotechnology in Latin America and the Caribbean with headquarters located in Venezuela.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the UNU-BIOLAC Coordinator, and in close cooperation with the Senior Assistant to the Coordinator, the Junior Assistant will assist in the operative tasks of the office, such as:
- Planning of agenda and travel of the Coordinator;
- Procurement, execution and follow up of payments of utilities, maintenance personnel and other office related services;
- Preparation of Petty Cash;
- Maintenance and update of the library and its database;
- Preparation and update of dissemination materials (including website information update);
- Channeling of course and fellowship applications;
- Follow up of the evaluation of applications;
- Collaborate with the Senior Assistant in the implementation of projects and strategies;
- Fulfill duties as a receptionist for visitors and contact center (telephone and email);
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
- Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
- Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
- Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
- Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
- Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
- Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
- Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
- Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
Qualifications and experience
Required competencies include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs or Modern Languages or other related fields;
- Prior administrative experience is desired;
- Communications knowledge in social media, PR and marketing skills are an asset.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and tools;
- Excellent interpersonal relations, ability to easily work and communicate with others, especially with people with multi-cultural backgrounds;
- Excellent communication skills with fluency in both oral and written English and Spanish. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an asset.
- Knowledge of Canvas, Adobe Creative suite is desired
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 6 months year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Expected start date: November 1st, 2022
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- Apply via the apply link;
- fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
- Attached personal resume
- provide a cover letter and;
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UNValues and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline: September 30th, 2022
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Special notice
National PSA only: UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
See also:
Working for the United Nations
What does the United Nations do?
