Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

B

Family

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Senior Administrative Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Administrative Officer is part of the Senior Management of an office. The incumbent is responsible for the implementation of general administrative and resource management tasks as delegated by the supervisor. S/he will work with an oversight from the supervisor, who will provide general guidance and work plans for identifying work priorities and appropriate approaches; work is controlled for meeting expected results.
The Senior Administrative Officer will 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.
The incumbent will maintain frequent external contacts with counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments on issues of importance to Organization's programmes. S/he acts as adviser or representative of the Organization with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.
The incumbent may directly supervise professional and general service staff, either local or international.

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
- Ensure the provision of resources (human, material and services) necessary to support the day-to-day activities of the staff in the office.
- Manage the day-to-day personnel and administrative operations of the Office.
- Ensure that the working environment is healthy and respectful, and free from hazard or security risks.
- In coordination with Human Resources and Field Security, undertake periodic reviews to ensure that the Office premises are set up and staff accommodation are managed in line with the organizational policies and any related issues are brought to the attention of Division of People Management (DPM).
- Undertake missions to field locations to review administrative arrangements and make appropriate recommendations as required.
- Formulate and implement staff safety and security measures, in consultation with the Head of Office and Field Security Officers (FSOs).Ensure MOSS/MORSS compliance in consultation with FSOs.
- Bring issues to the attention of senior management relating to compliance with UNHCR standards of work-life balance, security (including MOSS/MORSS), health, well-being and living conditions of staff, and resource allocation.
- Allocate office space.
- Liaise with Government and other external actors in providing vital supportive services (i.e. processing of visas; tax exemptions, etc.).
- Attend inter-agency meetings with other UN agencies with specific focus on general administration, staff safety and human resources issues (i.e. common services).
- In the absence of an HR Officer, prepare recruitment, appointments and administrative formalities concerning local staff
- Serve in an advisory capacity in counselling staff members.
- Review and approve the settlement of employee entitlements including DSA, local salaries and the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP).
- Advise on matters pertaining to administrative and staffing requirements in the Division/Bureau/Office.
- In cooperation with HR, endorse staffing management strategies, and ensure local compliance with UNHCR's workplace standards.
- Issue and extend contracts for locally recruited staff.
- Coordinate training and capacity-building activities to staff in administrative related areas.
- Provide guidance and support on UNHCR's internal control framework, financial rules, policies and procedures.
- Prepare the ABOD for the Office, and monitor the budgetary execution of it.
- Control and check the monthly accounts and various administrative activities.
- Ensure that appropriate internal controls are in place.
- In cooperation with Supply, prepare a procurement plan, initiate and coordinate local procurement for the smooth running of the Office.
- Manage contracts and relations with suppliers.
- Recommend local service providers (e.g. building security guards and cleaning companies).
- Award, issue and terminate (local) contracts and frame agreements in accordance with delegated authorities and UNHCR regulations, rules and procedures.
- Serve as a member of the Local Contracts Committee (LCC) in accordance with delegated authorities.
- Participate in the physical verification of UNHCR property plant and equipment.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's financial and administrative rules, policies and instructions.

- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Accounting; Public or Business Administration; Economics; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
UNHCR Management Learning Programme
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in an International Organization (United Nations or similar). Good understanding and/or experience of financial and HR modules of a major Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as PeopleSoft, SAP or Oracle). Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Experience of managing people in a multinational/multicultural environments.
Desirable:
Completion of relevant UNHCR Management learning programme. Experience in procurement in an International Organization. Accounting qualification from an internationally recognized Institute of Accounting.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
CO-Drafting and Documentation
MG-Resource Management
GB-Building Maintenance
SC-Inventory / Stock management
DV-Vehicle 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.

Essential
The ideal candidate should have demonstrated leadership, with in-depth knowledge and extensive operational experience across administrative and financial management functions, particularly in complex field and emergency operations.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale operations, with solid technical expertise across core administrative areas, including Administration, Finance, ICT, and General Services.
• Demonstrated experience in strengthening oversight and support functions, ensuring the effective functioning of administrative and financial systems, including addressing performance gaps and ensuring accountability.
• Strong and proven expertise in financial management, including:
o Budget planning, implementation, and monitoring
o Cashflow oversight and expenditure control
o Financial reporting and compliance enforcement
• Advanced practical knowledge and hands-on experience with Cloud ERP, Workday, COMPASSS.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large, diverse teams in comparable operational settings, including experience in high-pressure and emergency contexts.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial risk management, including:
o Audit preparedness and follow-up
o Fraud risk identification and mitigation
o Establishment and monitoring of internal controls
• Substantial experience in leading financial compliance processes, including:
o Operational audits
o Alignment with IPSAS/IFRS standards
o Adherence to UN/INGO financial rules and regulatory frameworks
• The ability to translate financial and administrative data into actionable operational improvements.

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Desirable
• Proven experience in engaging and negotiating with Government counterparts, ensuring timely processing of administrative and operational requirements within complex and evolving regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage data-driven financial insights to:
o Optimize operational efficiency
o Improve resource allocation
o Inform strategic decision-making
• Experience in financial systems modernization and digital transformation, including:
o Migration to cloud-based financial systems
o Automation of finance and administrative processes
o Strengthening internal control environments through digital solutions
• Familiarity with local context in Ethiopia or similar operational environments, including understanding of administrative procedures, compliance requirements, and stakeholder landscape.
• Experience supporting cost-efficiency measures and resource optimization in constrained budget environments.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills,
• High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail, particularly in managing financial and administrative processes.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The position of Senior Administrative Officer in the Ethiopia operation plays a crucial oversight role within the Administration department. The Senior Admin Officer will provide support and advice to operations in Addis Ababa and sub-offices. In this constantly evolving operation where urgent needs accumulate, the incumbent will provide prompt administrative support and advice on matters related to administration, staffing, budgeting, finance as well as management matters, well-being of staff and ensure compliance with financial rules and regulations.

The incumbent will ensure the admin work plan is in line with the HCR vision and priorities, objectives as well as the operations priorities and long-term (MYR) strategies and is expected to work closely with other UN Agencies and full participation of UNHCR in OMT and BOS. In addition, UNHCR plays a key role in the management of the UN Clinic. The incumbent is expected to contribute to the decisions and ensure UNHCR 's interests are represented.

The incumbent will advise the Representative to continuously foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the administration department.

Staff duty of care is an utmost priority in Ethiopia, being a central team player, the Senior Administrative Officer will also perform a role in ensuring occupational health and safety within the operation and promote open communication.

The incumbent will contribute to the UNHCR's overall success in achieving its mission in Ethiopia.

Living and Working Conditions:

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. The city has an estimated population of 5.7million inhabitants. It is where the African Union is headquartered. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations. Staff members reside in commercial accommodation available in town (Check the Travel Advisory for Addis Ababa on UN TRIP site). There is an UN Clinic in Addis and there are limited medical facilities in Addis that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited but the official destination for medical evacuations – Nairobi, Kenya – both, in case of health as well as mental health complications and note that such travels are approved in line with rules and regulations of the UNHCR Medical Section. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one's adjustment to the environment. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,218 to 8,530 ft), the maximum temperature is 26 °C (78.8 °F) and minimum 4 °C (39.2 °F). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (belg) rains occur from February to April, and the large (meher) rains are from mid-June to mid-September. The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The Government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. However, the banking, telecommunication, and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by Government-owned companies.

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. The exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offense, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash in excess of US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority. ATM cash withdrawals are largely available in Addis with withdrawal limit per day of 12,000 Birr from the Zemen Bank ATM. AMEX is generally not accepted. Payment with credit card is possible in a few selected shops and tourism areas, but this form of payment is expanding. There is acceptable access to communication means, such as the internet, telephone sim cards, etc. PAMA is also available at the Offices. Rental housing price ranges from USD1,600 to USD3,000 and higher, depending on the number of bedrooms and of course location. And it is also important to note that there is a custom of 3 to 6 months payment of rent in advance.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Public Professions

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR

Competencies

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

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance