The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
How can you make a difference?
In the capacity of Admin Associate, you will be supporting the UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO) team based in Istanbul, by providing a range of procedural, administrative, operational support in developing, implementing, executing and monitoring their activities, ensuring timely and effective delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.
This will include:
Monitors budgets and financial expenditures of the Office, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping management informed and advised on actions for decision/follow up.
Provides support on budget revision/preparation, implementation status, determination position of funding utilization, operational, and financial closure.
Human Resources
Assist the onboarding process of new staff members and interns, including timely administrative actions for residential procedures and other relevant procedures for international staff. Supports recruitment of interns and maintains gender rosters and lists.
Provide administrative support in a timely and effective manner, including well established security arrangements for the office. Serves as security warden, and Deputy Security Focal Point, and maintains essential contact lists and establishes internal communication networks, and liaises with UNDSS in Istanbul as necessary.
Procurement
Assist in procurement and maintenance of UNICEF Istanbul office, services, furniture and equipment, by interacting with the UNICEF RO/CO Operations, Procurement and UN Common Premises unit. Safeguards office furniture and equipment (including equipment handed over to staff), maintains inventory records and registers all office property and equipment and documents the bureau procedures.
Communications & Workflow
Liaise with relevant colleagues in ECA Regional Office and national partners to contribute to the production and distribution in the region of communication tools and materials.
Events/Logistics
Supports events, workshops, meetings and conferences by making the logistical arrangements, through engaging with facilitators, caterers and hosts.
Liaises with budget focal points and section over costs and needs.
Travel
Provides travel assistance to Istanbul-based staff and consultants, for travel arrangements and entitlements based on the organization’s rules and policies.
Briefs/de-briefs staff members on issues relating to related administrative matters such as visas, security clearance, and documentation procedures.
Extracts, inputs, maintains, and verifies correctness of travel records in the organization’s travel system to ensure accurate transactions related to travel costs and staff travel.
Collect background information and assist in the preparation of budgets on travel costs and maintain travel budgetary control records.
Invoice Processing
Responsible for collecting invoices and filing documents for approval and, thereafter processing in VISION.
Uploads electronic files and verifies results to destination system.
Responds to client transaction status and other inquiries.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the field of work.
A minimum of 6 years of relevant administrative or clerical work experience is required.
Experience with the United Nations System is an advantage.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Turkish and another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
