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About the Organization
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN Refugee Agency committed to protecting and assisting people forced to flee conflict, persecution, and disasters worldwide. Operating in over 130 countries, UNHCR provides life-saving assistance, including shelter, food, water, and healthcare. Working with UNHCR allows you to directly contribute to improving the lives of millions of displaced people while gaining valuable experience in international humanitarian operations.

UNHCR fosters a culture of learning, collaboration, and career growth. Staff members have opportunities to develop skills in operational management, logistics, and international administration. The organization actively encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups, ensuring a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Staff also benefit from exposure to complex operational environments, allowing for professional development that is both challenging and highly rewarding.

Job Description
The Building Services Associate plays a critical role in ensuring that UNHCR facilities, assets, and services in Addis Ababa operate smoothly, efficiently, and safely. The role involves coordinating the Building Management Unit, managing staff, supervising vendors, and overseeing operational processes. The position reports to the Senior Building Services Associate or the Administrative Officer and collaborates closely with both internal teams and external service providers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing all service requests for the unit and distributing work effectively among team members in coordination with the supervisor.
• Monitoring and ensuring that all contracted service providers comply with terms of reference and recommending corrective actions to maintain high standards.
• Supporting the purchasing process for a wide range of goods and services necessary for building maintenance.
• Planning and organizing official events and receptions at UNHCR headquarters, ensuring all logistical and operational needs are met.
• Managing, maintaining, and controlling official vehicles to guarantee reliable transportation services.
• Supervising a team of UNHCR and outsourced staff in building management, warehouse operations, and mail and stationery services.
• Coordinating internal and external transportation requirements, including moving goods and furniture to support organizational operations.
• Supporting warehouse operations, including receiving materials, verifying orders, maintaining proper records in the ERP system, preparing shipments, and ensuring safe storage of equipment and supplies.
• Preparing insurance documents for materials in transit and handling documentation for obsolete or damaged equipment.
• Creating requisitions, ensuring purchase orders are issued, and recording receipt of goods and services in the ERP system.
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of service providers to maintain high service standards.
• Verifying invoices, managing receipts, and ensuring accurate financial tracking in line with UNHCR policies.
• Identifying and managing risks, proposing efficiency improvements, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the Building Management Unit.
• Performing other related duties to ensure efficient building operations.

This role is pivotal in enabling UNHCR staff to work in a safe, functional, and well-supported environment. It provides exposure to operational management, vendor supervision, and organizational logistics, offering an opportunity to build expertise in humanitarian support services.

Educational Qualification

• High School Diploma with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2 years relevant work experience.
• A valid driving license is required.

Work Experience

• Essential: Experience in support services, building maintenance, financial management, logistics, and procurement. Proven experience supervising and managing staff. Familiarity with ERP systems for supply chain and financial management is required.
• Desirable: Knowledge of UN administrative, human resources, and financial rules and procedures; proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with local building management vendors and suppliers; experience liaising with a wide range of suppliers of goods and services.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team supervision skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
• Ability to manage vendor relationships and monitor contract compliance.
• IT literacy, including ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, or Workday.
• Understanding of UN procurement rules and procedures.
• Strong problem-solving and risk management skills.
• Commitment to UNHCR values including professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The position is in a family duty station with a hardship level of B.

Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time, locally recruited position under UNOPS LICA6. The salary and benefits are aligned with UNHCR field service regulations. This role offers significant opportunities for career development, including exposure to operational management, logistics, and international humanitarian operations. Staff in this position gain experience in supervising teams, managing resources, and supporting the effective delivery of organizational objectives.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the UNHCR recruitment platform. Only applications submitted via this platform will be considered. Applicants are not required to submit scanned certificates or attachments.

UNHCR strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection processes.

Application Deadline
15 March 2026. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications early to ensure consideration.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to a critical support function that enables UNHCR operations to run efficiently. Staff in this role directly impact the effectiveness of humanitarian services by ensuring that facilities, vehicles, and operational resources are properly managed and maintained.

Working as a Building Services Associate offers opportunities to develop skills in operational leadership, logistics management, and vendor coordination. The role is ideal for candidates seeking to grow professionally in international humanitarian settings while making a tangible impact on organizational effectiveness.

UNHCR values diversity and inclusion. Staff are expected to model UN values, maintain accountability, and uphold safe, equitable practices in all aspects of work.

The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in managing complex operational environments, supervising teams, and improving service delivery processes. These experiences are highly transferable and can lead to advanced career opportunities within UNHCR and other international organizations.

By joining UNHCR, employees contribute directly to the mission of protecting displaced populations while advancing their own professional growth and expertise in international operations.

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