Administrative Assistant

The position is the Administrative Assistant for the Head of the U.S. Mission to UNESCO. The incumbent reports directly to the Ambassador and works closely with the DCMs Administrative Assistant and the Missions Administrative and Protocol Assistant. The incumbent performs a wide range of administrative, operational, and technical program support functions that facilitate the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. Mission. Incumbent supervises two Ambassadors drivers. The work requires knowledge of administrative procedures, strong organizational skills, a strong command of the English language, superior interpersonal skills, and in-depth knowledge of standard office computer software programs.

EXPERIENCE: At least 3 years of prior office management or secretarial experience.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Basic knowledge of UNESCO, multilateral systems, and local French culture. Good knowledge of how to coordinate, schedule, track, and manage information flow, negotiate work priorities, supervise locally employed (LE) staff.

Mandatory: Minimum of 2 year of post-secondary education.

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH: Level 4 - Fluent; speaking/reading/writing, may include the ability to translate. (THIS MAY BE TESTED)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Excellent organizational skills. Ability to proofread and analyze information, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks, and work independently and effectively in an often high-pressure environment. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment on a wide range of administrative issues. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint, in order to perform tasks assigned and troubleshoot information technology issues. Ability to take initiative and show leadership to proactively identify issues and tasks, motivate others, give guidance, and serve as a role model.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.

The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:
1. AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. AEFM / USEFM
3. FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **

• 
  IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability dated within the past six months, equivalent documentation, or certification. A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.

** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.