Secretary and HR Assistant

POSITION:

GS-5

REFERENCE NO.:

2014/UNU/INWEH/FTA/SHRA/33

LOCATION:

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

CLOSING DATE:

2014•06•27

Organizational Unit: UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH):

United Nations University objectives

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. 

United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)

UNU-INWEH is a unit of the United Nations University based in Canada. It was created in 1996 with its core funding provided by the Government of Canada, and is hosted at the McMaster University, Hamilton.

UNU-INWEH acts as the “United Nations’ Think Tank on Water”, responding directly to the regional and global water crisis, and facilitates efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goalss. It is contributing to the design and subsequent implementation of development goals beyond the year 2015 by providing the evidence base. UNU-INWEH’s mission is to contribute to efforts to resolve pressing regional and global water challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their peoples, through targeted research, capacity development, knowledge enhancement, and transfer and public outreach.

UNU-INWEH’s programme structure represents a proactive, selective and longer-term strategy to programme development. Three core functions are: (a) capacity development through the strengthening of scientific, managerial, educational and institutional capacity in developing countries; (b) enhancing and mobilizing knowledge to address policy issues and to fill critical knowledge gaps; and (c) directed science and policy bridging – achieved through application of research and focused on water policy and governance innovations. These core functions are applied to two thematic programmes:

• Water & Human Development
• Water & Ecosystem

Responsibilities

We are currently seeking a well-qualified and highly motivated individual to undertake the role of Secretary and Human Resources Assistant to perform a wide range of office support and administrative functions. This position reports to the Director and will assume the following responsibilities:

• Provide secretarial support to the Director in administering the calendar of appointments and organizing travel missions, timely processing of related reports and documents, and liaison with Institutional partners;
• Under the guidance of the Director and UNU’s Human Resources office located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, assist with human resource management for UNU-INWEH. Specific tasks include:
  • administering recruitments, appointments, performance reviews and promotions;
  • maintaining attendance records and personnel files, and
  • responding to inquiries from personnel about personnel policies and procedures.
• Perform any other clerical and administrative duties as may be assigned or as required.

Required qualifications and experience

• Minimum of a secondary school diploma; preference is given to those with an undergraduate degree in a field of relevance to human resources management;
• At least four (4) years of relevant working experience in secretarial work and human resources administration; preference is given to those with international work experience;
• Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an asset;
• Conscientious with excellent attention to detail;
• Results-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritize work and multitask;
• A good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration

Remuneration will commensurate with qualification and experience. The position carries a salary in the range of CAD $37,000 to CAD$47,000 per annum. The salary is exempt from Canadian income taxes.

Duration of contract

This is a locally recruited post with full-time employment. Initial appointment will be on a fixed term of two (2) year UN contract with UNU-INWEH, with the possibility for renewal subject to excellent work performance and availability of funds. This is a locally recruited position and no relocation allowance will be provided. The successful candidate will be employed as a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates and those originating from developing countries are particularly encouraged.

Starting date

Mid-August 2014, or soon thereafter.

Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail, in Adobe Acrobat PDF file format, to vacancy.INWEH@unu.edu.  Applications must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how the applicant’s qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form. Do not use similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations and do not submit a curriculum vitae;
• full contact information of three (3) referees; and
• the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2014/UNU/INWEH/FTA/SHRA/33).

Applications that do not include all of the requested information will not be considered.