The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) is currently looking for an outstanding individual, with strong commitment and the potential to bring a significant contribution to the activities of UNU-INRA, to fill the position of Research and Administrative Assistant.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to and under the supervision of the Director of UNU-INRA, the Research and Administrative Assistant will perform a wide range of office support and administrative functions. These will include:

•   Respond or draft responses to routine correspondence and other communications; use standard word processing package to produce a wide variety of large, complex documents and reports.
•   Monitor processes and schedules related to the unit’s outputs, products, tasks, etc.; where applicable, assist in the verification of receipt and accuracy of requisite documents, approvals, signatures, etc. to ensure compliance with relevant legal, financial and other requirements.
•   Research, compile and organize information and reference materials from various sources for reports, work plans, studies, briefings, meetings/conferences, etc.
•   Generate a variety of standard statistical and other reports, work orders, etc., using various databases.
•   Proofread documents and edit texts for accuracy, grammar, punctuation and style, and for adherence to established standards for format.
•   Screen phone calls and visitors; respond to moderately complex information requests and inquiries (e.g. answer requests requiring file search, etc.), and as necessary, refer inquiries to appropriate personnel for handling.
•   Provide secretarial, administrative and logistics support to meetings, boards, committees, conferences, etc.
•   Assist in the maintenance of website by scanning, converting and posting a variety of documents onto the site.
•   Assist in the preparation of presentation materials using appropriate technology/software.
•   Maintain calendar/schedules; monitor changes and communicate relevant information to appropriate staff inside and outside the immediate work unit.
•   Perform data entry and extraction functions.
•   Review, record, distribute and/or process mail and other documents; follow-up on impending actions.
•   Update and maintain large distribution lists; monitor, prepare and distribute various materials, reports, where possible using electronic formats; handle arrangement for printing and translation as necessary; coordinate shipment arrangements, courier services, etc.
•   Perform general administrative tasks (e.g. leave and attendance recording, arrangements for meetings and other events, reservations, budget follow-up, etc.), to include preparing and/or processing administrative requests/documents (e.g. requisitions, purchase orders, travel requests, contracts, expenditure authorizations, visa applications, etc.).
•   Maintain files (both paper and electronic) and databases for work unit.
•   Assist in providing software and office equipment support.
•   Provide guidance to less experienced staff on general office processes and procedures, computer applications, etc.
•   Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Remuneration:
Remuneration will commensurate with academic qualification and work experience according to the suitability of candidates.

Duration of contract:

•   The successful candidate shall work under the Consultant Contract (CTC) for a fixed period of twelve (12) months for the above-mentioned project. No consultant shall provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) –month period
•   This is a locally recruited post; no relocation expenses or allowances apply.
•   The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations..

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Minimum Bachelor of Sciences (Bsc) in Administration, Natural Resources Management or Environmental Sciences
•   At least two years working experience in successful implementation of programs in public, donor funded programs, private or NGO sectors.
•   Excellent interpersonal, and leadership skills, demonstrate the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
•   Ability to work with minimum supervision and with own initiative in a complex environment with multiple tasks and intense pressure to perform
•   Ability to carry out office administrative responsibilities, and make project implementation arrangements.
•   Good writing, presentation and communication skills; and demonstrated experience in organizing training workshop and conference activities.
•   Good working knowledge of English is essential; knowledge of French would be an advantage.
•   Proficiency in MS Office Applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Good Excel spreadsheet skills and experience in using ERP systems like PeopleSoft Financials system is advantageous

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by e-mail (recruit-inra@unu.edu) or mail, and must include the following:

•   a cover letter setting out how qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
•   a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from UNU website. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
•   a full contact information of three referees; and
•   an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2015/UNU/INRA/PSA/RF/31
•   Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
•   Starting Date: By July 1, 2015.

Closing Date: 20 May, 2015