The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus invites applications for
-Administrative Assistant (GL5)-

Special Notice
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). The CAS Administrative Assistant will be under the supervision of the Chief Civil Affairs Officer and HQ Programme Management Assistant within a team setting. He/she is responsible to provide language and administrative support particularly related to the management of civilian activity in the Buffer Zone to the Civil Affairs Section and Sector Civilian Activity Integrated Offices based in Ledra Palace, Dhenia and Pyla. The CAS Administrative Assistant must work together with UNFICYP police and military personnel and take on other duties to assist the implementation of all Civil Affairs duties.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Contribute within the HQ integrated team to the management of civilian activities in the United Nations Buffer Zone including practical assistance to the 3 Sector integrated offices as required. Serve as a link between the CAS HQ and Sector integrated teams and assist liaison with individuals, groups, companies applying for UN permits for activities in the buffer zone and explain procedures and processes to facilitate compliance. Provides language assistance in Greek and English (Turkish language is an advantage) face to face or over the telephone and translate CAS correspondence and documents into high quality written English. Use database and GIS mapping systems to input data, monitor application procedures, facilitate follow up on action points, and assist with mapping of civilian activity in the buffer zone. Collate and maintain accurate information such as maps, data collection, reports, files and documents related to Civil Affairs priorities in HQ, and Sectors as required. Participate in site visits to key locations in the buffer zone and the Sectors and contribute to understanding of the local complexities through contextual, language and administrative support. As a contributing team member, assist in the planning and organizing of projects and initiatives that contribute to the UNFICYP mandate and provide administrative support, including organizing meetings, preparing agendas, minutes and reports. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the political, social and economic environment in Cyprus and their impact on the mission mandate implementation. Demonstrates ability to work with patience in a complex and politically sensitive arena while maintaining impartiality and confidentiality. Ability to conduct political and socio-economic analysis and to identify and resolve sensitive issues. Proven ability to promote and sustain dialogue between groups and individuals with differing views. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Ability to contribute to strategic planning processes and effective problem- solving skills. Initiative and ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits inputs by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work according to deadline; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Qualifications
Education:

• High school or equivalent diploma;
• Experience in community work, programme management, liaison, communication and/or administration is an advantage.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Cyprus context and sensitivities;
• Familiarity with UNFICYP operations on the island and of the sensitivities of the issues;
• Effective problem-solving skills and attention to detail;
• Tact, discretion, and confidentiality is essential;
• Initiative and ability to apply good judgment in relation to assignments given.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in Cyprus dealing with local authorities, community-based activities, statistics and programme management, administration and interpretation/translation skills;
• Experience within the UN system is an advantage.

Languages:

• English and Greek language are required. Turkish language is an advantage;
• Strong Communication skills (oral and written) are required.

Technological Awareness:

• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, internet and e-mail);
• Familiarity with information management systems, databases and Geo-spatial mapping systems.

Other requirements:

• Valid driving license;
• Ability to travel throughout the island.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

No Fee
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicant’s bank accounts.

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by specifying vacancy announcement # 5/2019.
Candidates must complete the United Nations Personnel History form (P11) in English. The P.11 form could be downloaded from the UNFICYP website: www.unficyp.org under Employment.

Submit applications to:

Human Resources Section
Email: unficyp-national-applications@un.org
Deadline for receipt of applications is 8 June 2019
Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.
Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted by the UNFICYP Human Resources Management Section