Assistant Administrative Officer

Deadline for ApplicationsSeptember 12, 2025

Hardship LevelB

Family TypeFamily

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradeNOA

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date2026-01-01

Standard Job Description

Assistant Administrative Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Assistant Administrative Officer is responsible for supporting the Office/Bureau in the implementation of general administrative and resource management tasks. The incumbent assists the Supervisor in all administrative matters addressing day to day tasks and contributing to deliver administrative activities.

S/he will contribute to establish and maintain efficient administrative control mechanisms to ensure compliance with UN administrative, financial and human resources rules and procedures. Contacts on administrative/budgetary related issues are mainly with Sections/Units/Offices within the organization both at HQ and in the Field and with local suppliers/services to ensure provision of services and resolution of difficult problems. Frequent external contacts are counterparts in other organizations or in national Governments at working level related to issues of importance to the Organization's programmes.

Direct supervision is received from the immediate supervisor. The incumbent will also refer to UNHCR and UN handbooks and policy papers concerning administrative rules and regulations.

The incumbent may directly supervise general service staff.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

- Monitor the day-to-day personnel and administrative operations of the office.

- Participates in the recruitment and training of General Service staff for specialized and non-specialized work and assign General Service staff to meet work requirements.

- Supervises activities concerned with office and grounds maintenance, security, transport and similar services.

- Briefs international staff on general administrative matters, provide advice and ensure administrative support as required.

- Contributes to the preparation of submissions of new or revised procedures and practices.

- Prepares correspondence, special reports, evaluations and justifications as required on general administrative matters.

- Handles all personnel matters related to attendance records leave, issuance of visas, licence, etc.

- Coordinate training and capacity-building activities to staff in administrative related areas.

- Facilitate the mission travel of staff, including following up on travel authorizations, bookings, tickets.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).

- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Public or Business Administration; Economics; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Not specified.

Desirable

Good knowledge of UNHCR's administrative rules and procedures. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills

*IT-Computer Literacy

UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

CO-Strategic Communication

CO-Drafting and Documentation

SC-UN/UNHCR Procurement Rules and Procedures

BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget

MG-Resource Management

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile Given the scope and autonomy of the position, the ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Proven ability to work independently in an environment with no senior administrative supervisor, showing initiative, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.

• Excellent coordination and organizational capacity, with the ability to manage multiple administrative functions simultaneously and ensure timely support to all units.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a diplomatic and client-oriented approach to engaging with internal stakeholders, service providers, and government counterparts.

• Capacity to interpret and apply organizational rules and procedures with minimal supervision, ensuring compliance and operational continuity.

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and bilingual environment.

• Working knowledge of both English and French, essential for effective communication with authorities and partners across the country.

• The desired candidate must have good knowledge of UNHCR Supply Chain Rules as well as a good grasp of execution within Cloud ERP .

• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, especially in managing sensitive administrative matters and official representations.

• Due to the critical nature of this position, eligible candidates will be subjected to an eliminatory written test. Only candidates scoring 60% will be invited for the oral interview

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): French

,English

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

Nature of Position:

The Assistant Administrative Officer, based in Yaoundé, serves as the principal focal point for all administrative matters in the operation, in the absence of a more senior administrative role.

Under the direct supervision of the Finance Officer, the incumbent is responsible for independently managing and coordinating a full range of administrative services, including general administration, facilities and asset management, official travel, protocol, and fleet/logistics support.

The role requires a high level of initiative and sound judgment to ensure the efficient delivery of administrative functions across the Yaoundé office . The incumbent will work in close coordination with relevant sections, partners, and local authorities to support operational continuity and ensure compliance with organizational procedures.

Given that Cameroon is a bilingual country, working knowledge of both English and French is essential.

Living and Working Conditions:

Yaoundé is a duty station classified B. Living conditions are good including in other major cities such as Douala as well. Yaoundé is the political capital where most embassies and representations of international organizations are based while Douala is the economic capital hosting the main seaport. Despite the instability in the South-West and North-West Province due to the ``Anglophone crisis and in the Far North Province due to Boko Haram Activities, the situation in the political capital and other parts of the country is overall good. Yaoundé is under security level 2.

All United Nations personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Cameroon. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel.

The access to health services in Yaoundé is good. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

The currency used in Cameroon is Franc CFA (XAF). Many hotels, restaurants and large businesses in Yaoundé accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities.

The accommodation facilities are in general good and the choice is wide. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations. International staff in Yaoundé are advised to reside in specific parts of the town (Bastos and Omnisport) where diplomatic police undertake regular patrols. Transportation in town can be easily arranged through local taxis.

The incumbent will be briefed on conditions in locations within the region upon arrival as appropriate.

Additional Qualifications

SkillsBU-Budget management and value for money analysis, RM-Project risk management, SC-Contract management, SC-Developing and reviewing procurement plans, SC-E-procurement / e-tendering, SC-Fleet Management

EducationBachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration

Certifications

Work ExperienceAdministration, Supply/Procurement

CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

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Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance

JR2559733