About the Organization
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a premier regional institution established to promote economic and social development across the African continent. As a vital arm of the United Nations, the ECA serves as a strategic hub for research, policy analysis, and technical cooperation. By supporting member states in achieving sustainable growth and regional integration, the institution plays a transformative role in shaping Africa’s economic future and its standing within the global community.
Operating from its historic headquarters in Addis Ababa, the ECA provides a professional environment defined by international standards, multicultural collaboration, and operational excellence. The Facilities Management Section (FMS) is a critical component of this infrastructure, ensuring that the UN compound is managed with the highest level of safety and technical efficiency. To work at the ECA is to be part of a prestigious international team where every logistical and technical task contributes to the success of global diplomacy.
The ECA fosters a culture of professional integrity and safety, particularly within its technical and engineering teams. We believe that a high-functioning compound is the foundation for successful international dialogue. Working here offers a unique opportunity to operate specialized machinery and manage logistical assets within a world-class facility, supporting the “UN Common House” initiative which facilitates the collaborative efforts of multiple UN agencies.
We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the global community we serve. The United Nations is an equal opportunity employer that provides a stable and supportive workplace where technical skills, proactive judgment, and professional conduct are recognized and valued. We prioritize the development of our staff, offering an environment that encourages long-term professional pride and high standards of technical performance.
In line with our commitment to gender equity and social inclusion, we strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this technical and logistical role. The UN recognizes that engineering and machinery operation sectors benefit immensely from diverse perspectives. We are dedicated to providing a workplace where all technical professionals can thrive and contribute to the successful management of the United Nations’ physical and logistical assets.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The role of the Civil Team Assistant and Manitou Machine Operator (G4) is a specialized position that is essential for the logistical and infrastructural fluidity of the ECA headquarters. This role is strategically vital as it involves the operation of heavy-duty telehandlers—specifically the Manitou MT-X 1440—which are crucial for the movement of goods, materials, and equipment across the vast UN compound. Your technical expertise ensures that the complex logistical needs of the “UN Common House” are met with precision and safety.
The strategic impact of this role is felt in the timely execution of construction, maintenance, and facility upgrade projects. By operating specialized machinery such as dampers, electric forklifts, and telehandlers, you enable the physical transformation of the compound. Your adherence to strict Health and Safety (H&S) standards ensures that high-risk operations are conducted without incident, protecting the personnel and assets of the United Nations.
A day in the life of a Civil Team Assistant at the ECA involves a dynamic range of tasks, from planning and scheduling specialized machinery movements to the day-to-day maintenance of assigned vehicles. You will be responsible for ensuring that the Manitou MT-X 1440 is always in peak operational condition, tracking its fuel consumption, and initiating scheduled maintenance. This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced technical skills in a high-stakes environment where discretion and judgment are paramount.
Furthermore, this position carries a multi-functional logistical responsibility, including the operation of light vehicles and trucks for the transportation of authorized personnel and goods. Your proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and road safety directly influences the operational efficiency of the commission. This role provides an unparalleled platform to master specialized UN logistical protocols and contribute to the administrative excellence that enables the commission to fulfill its mandate in Africa.
The long-term impact of your work is the maintenance of a safe and efficient logistical ecosystem. By demonstrating initiative and a strong commitment to safety guidelines, you help institutionalize best practices within the Facilities Management Section. This role provides an excellent opportunity to grow as a technical specialist within an international framework, contributing to the professional management of Africa’s most significant diplomatic site.
Job Positions and Requirements
Civil Team Assistant / Manitou Machine Operator and Light Vehicle Driver (G-4)
Educational Qualification: High school completion is required. Specialized certification in heavy machinery operation is highly desirable.
Work Experience: Proven knowledge and experience in operating telehandlers (specifically Manitou MT-X 1440 or similar) is required. Experience as a driver of light vehicles, vans, or trucks with a clean safety record is essential.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ECA Compound)
Salary: Negotiable/Per UN Consultant Scale (CON)
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This position is offered as a consultancy contract with an expected duration of 9 months. It provides an exceptional opportunity to gain specialized experience within the United Nations technical framework, offering a stable and professional work environment in a world-class facility.
Compensation for this role is competitive and aligned with the United Nations G4 level for consultants and individual contractors. The package is designed to attract skilled machinery operators who are committed to safety and technical excellence. Beyond financial rewards, the role offers the prestige of working for the UN and the chance to work alongside a team of dedicated international professionals in a high-growth environment.
The UN provides a merit-based environment where technical proficiency, safety consciousness, and proactive teamwork are rewarded. This 9-month engagement serves as a significant professional milestone, providing the incumbent with international experience in logistics and specialized machinery operation that is highly regarded globally. We ensure that our staff have access to the highest quality equipment and protective gear to perform their duties safely.
How to Apply
In alignment with our streamlined recruitment procedures, candidates are NOT required to provide scanned certificates or physical attachments during the initial application stage. We encourage you to focus on accurately reflecting your specialized machinery operation experience and your clean driving record in your application profile.
Original academic certificates, technical machine operator licenses, and road authority driving licenses will only be requested for verification purposes if a candidate is invited for a formal interview and practical assessment. This approach ensures a fair and efficient screening process based on the merits of the applicant’s professional and technical background.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. We are seeking a dedicated professional who can operate our specialized machinery and vehicles with absolute safety and professional integrity.
The selection process will involve a thorough review of technical expertise and a practical driving and machinery operation test. We aim to identify a reliable professional capable of remaining calm under pressure and following both verbal and written instructions within the UN’s regulatory framework.
Interested candidates must submit their application through the official UN Careers portal (Inspira) using the Job Opening ID provided below.
Application Deadline
April 21, 2026