About the Organization
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a cornerstone of international cooperation, established to accelerate economic transformation and sustainable development across the African continent. As a vital arm of the United Nations, the ECA serves as a center of excellence for policy research, providing member states with the technical expertise and advocacy required to navigate a complex global landscape. Our mission is centered on fostering regional integration and supporting the implementation of global development agendas, ensuring Africa remains a resilient force for progress.
The ECA headquarters in Addis Ababa is a massive, high-tech compound that houses thousands of international staff and hosts global leaders for critical diplomatic summits. Maintaining the aesthetic and hygienic integrity of this infrastructure is a mission-critical objective. The Facilities Management Section (FMS) is the engine behind this effort, ensuring that every building is kept to the highest international standards of cleanliness and order. To work at the ECA is to be part of an elite team of professionals dedicated to creating a safe, functional, and world-class environment for international diplomacy.
Integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity are the core values that guide our work. We operate in a multicultural setting where collaboration and technical precision are paramount. Every staff member at the ECA plays a role in the broader UN mission, as the physical health and cleanliness of the compound directly enable the strategic planning and operational flow of the commission. We offer a workspace that adheres to international environmental standards and promotes a culture of continuous operational excellence.
We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for solving complex facility management and coordination challenges. The United Nations is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees are empowered to reach their full potential. We provide a stable and supportive workplace that recognizes technical expertise and encourages the development of leadership skills within the administrative and housekeeping sectors.
In our commitment to achieving gender parity across all levels of facility management, we strongly encourage women to apply for this Cleaning Team Assistant position. The United Nations actively seeks to empower women in supervisory and coordination roles within the hospitality and facility sectors. We are dedicated to providing an environment where female professionals can lead in the management of critical compound services, ensuring that our facilities benefit from the widest possible range of talent and organizational perspectives.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The role of the Cleaning Team Assistant (G4 level) is a specialized coordination function that sits at the core of the ECA’s daily facilities management and housekeeping operations. This role is strategically vital, as it ensures the physical health and professional presentation of the UN compound through the oversight of cleaning protocols and contractor coordination. By managing the workflow of cleaning staff and monitoring material consumption, you provide the foundational order necessary for the “UN Common House” to function as a safe and healthy workspace.
The strategic impact of this role is most evident in its contribution to compound-wide hygiene and logistical efficiency. You are a primary link between the Facilities Management Section and the front-line cleaning staff, ensuring that every office, restroom, and public space meets stringent UN quality specifications. Your ability to monitor contractor attendance, manage monthly payment formats, and coordinate with waste disposal services is critical for the seamless administrative flow of the Section’s housekeeping operations.
A day in the life of a Cleaning Team Assistant at the ECA involves a dynamic mix of site inspections and administrative oversight. You will be responsible for distributing essential supplies, managing inventory from the general store, and conducting detailed cleaning inspections at high-profile locations, including the Executive Secretary’s residence. This role offers the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technical civil works and daily housekeeping, as you will work closely with the FMS maintenance crew to assist in surface preparation and post-maintenance cleanup.
Furthermore, this position carries a multi-functional logistical responsibility, including the operation of specialized pressure washing and road cleaning machinery when required. You will serve as a key communicator, reporting gardening and cleaning incidents directly to the FMS supervisor and ensuring that any mechanical or electrical defects in the buildings are flagged for immediate remedial action. Your proactive approach to recycling and shredding projects directly supports the UN’s commitment to environmental sustainability and information security.
The long-term impact of your work is the institutionalization of high-performance housekeeping standards that protect the physical value of the ECA’s assets. By maintaining a clean and orderly environment, you create a professional atmosphere that inspires confidence in the international delegates and civil servants who use the facility. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop into a specialist in facility coordination within an international framework, contributing to the professional management of Africa’s most significant diplomatic site.
Job Positions and Requirements
Cleaning Team Assistant
Educational Qualification: High school completion is required. Specialized training in hospitality, housekeeping management, or facility coordination is highly desirable.
Work Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of progressive work experience as a cleaner or housekeeping assistant is required. Proven experience in coordination, contractor monitoring, or supervisory assistance is essential. Previous experience within a United Nations environment or an international organization is a significant advantage.
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 is an ideal opportunity for a facility professional looking to apply their coordination and housekeeping skills in an international organization known for its rigorous standards and professional work culture.
The compensation for this role is competitive and aligned with the United Nations G4 level for individual contractors and consultants. The package reflects the logistical complexity of the role and the high level of responsibility involved in managing compound-wide cleanliness. Beyond financial rewards, the ECA offers a world-class environment where you will work with modern cleaning technology and contribute to a global mission of excellence.
We provide a merit-based environment where organizational initiative and attention to detail are recognized. This contract provides a stable professional engagement for 9 months, offering significant prestige and an international reference that is highly valued in the global facility management and hospitality market.
How to Apply
In line 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 detailing your experience in cleaning coordination, contractor monitoring, and industrial machinery operation within your application.
Verification of original academic documents and professional housekeeping certifications will only be requested for candidates who advance to the interview and practical assessment stage. This approach ensures a fair and efficient screening process based on the merits of the applicant’s professional and coordination background.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. We are seeking a dedicated professional who can maintain our facility standards with absolute reliability and professional integrity.
The selection process will likely include an interview focused on coordination skills and potentially a practical assessment of cleaning inspection standards. We aim to identify a reliable professional capable of communicating effectively with various stakeholders while following strict UN health and safety protocols.
Interested candidates must apply through the official UN recruitment portal (Inspira) using the Job Opening ID provided below.
Application Deadline
April 21, 2026