About the Organization
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN Refugee Agency dedicated to protecting and supporting people forced to flee conflict, persecution, and disasters around the world. UNHCR operates in more than 130 countries, providing life-saving assistance including shelter, food, water, and medical aid. Our work is guided by principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Joining UNHCR means contributing to a global mission of protecting vulnerable populations while gaining invaluable experience in humanitarian operations and international administration.
Working at UNHCR offers opportunities to grow professionally within a multicultural and diverse environment. Staff members gain exposure to complex operational challenges, collaborate across multiple sectors, and develop skills that are highly transferable globally. The organization promotes innovation, leadership development, and learning opportunities that enable employees to expand their impact in humanitarian work. UNHCR actively encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups to ensure a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Job Description
The Building Services Assistant supports the smooth functioning of UNHCR facilities in Gambella, Ethiopia. This role is essential for ensuring that buildings, official vehicles, and other facilities operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with organizational standards. The incumbent reports to the Building Services Associate and collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and third-party service providers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and coordinating with contracted service providers to ensure compliance with agreed standards and recommending corrective actions when necessary.
- Supporting the planning and execution of official events, receptions, and office functions, ensuring all organizational requirements are met.
- Assisting in the management, maintenance, and control of official vehicles to guarantee reliable transportation services.
- Facilitating internal moves, transportation of goods, and office furniture.
- Performing minor repairs and maintenance work within office buildings.
- Supporting warehouse operations, including receiving equipment, verifying orders, maintaining records in the ERP system, proper storage, and preparing shipments.
- Preparing insurance documents for goods in transit and assisting with obsolete or broken equipment management.
- Verifying invoices for accuracy and maintaining financial and operational accountability.
- Supporting the Mail and Stationery Unit as required.
- Identifying and managing risks, raising issues or concerns to supervisors, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
- Undertaking other duties that support the overall efficiency of UNHCR operations in the field.
This role is pivotal for maintaining high standards of service delivery, ensuring safety and efficiency, and enabling UNHCR staff to perform their duties effectively.
Educational Qualification
- High School Diploma with a minimum of 1 year relevant experience, or
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with relevant professional experience.
- A valid driving license is essential for this role.
Work Experience
- Essential: Practical experience in support services such as building maintenance, logistics, procurement, and financial management. Familiarity with ERP systems for supply chain and financial management is required.
- Desirable: Knowledge of UN administrative, human resources, and financial procedures; proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience working with vendors and service providers in the local context.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong organizational and planning skills to coordinate multiple operational tasks.
- Ability to manage vendor relationships and monitor contractual compliance.
- IT literacy, including ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, or Workday.
- Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
- Risk awareness and proactive problem-solving abilities.
- Commitment to UNHCR values, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
Job Location
Gambella, Ethiopia. The position requires residence in the field and the ability to work in a high-hardship environment.
Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time, locally recruited position under UNOPS LICA4. Salary and benefits are in accordance with UNHCR field service regulations and reflect the hardship level of the location. The role offers a unique opportunity for professional growth, operational exposure, and career advancement in humanitarian services.
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 at this stage.
UNHCR encourages applications from women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment for all staff members.
Candidates should note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further selection processes.
Application Deadline
15 March 2026. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid missing the deadline.
This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in facilities management within an international humanitarian context, develop specialized operational skills, and contribute directly to the welfare and safety of staff and the communities UNHCR serves.
The Building Services Assistant role offers exposure to diverse operational areas, including vehicle management, procurement, warehouse operations, and minor building maintenance. Staff will work in a supportive environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and professional development.
By joining UNHCR, employees have the chance to make a meaningful impact while building a career that combines technical, managerial, and logistical expertise. The position is ideal for candidates seeking to grow in the humanitarian sector and advance within UN field operations.
UNHCR emphasizes respect for diversity and inclusion. Staff are expected to model UN values, maintain accountability, and promote safe and equitable work practices.
The role provides opportunities for skill-building in project coordination, financial management, ERP systems, vendor supervision, and risk assessment. These competencies are valuable for long-term career development both within UNHCR and in other international organizations.
The successful candidate will gain exposure to complex operational challenges, learn best practices in field-based facilities management, and contribute directly to enabling UNHCR teams to deliver critical humanitarian services effectively.
UNHCR is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Applications from women and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.