About the Organization
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the organization works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, ensuring they participate as equal partners and beneficiaries in development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security. Through its Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), UN Women strategically engages with regional organs and the diplomatic community to advance Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) commitments.
The Liaison Office provides essential technical support for policy formulation and monitoring while facilitating seamless coordination across UN Women’s regional and country offices. By collaborating with various specialized departments of the African Union Commission (AUC), such as those focusing on Health, Peace and Security, and Education, UN Women ensures that gender is mainstreamed across all AU frameworks. This collaborative approach extends to development partners and the private sector, driving initiatives that transform regional commitments into measurable impact for women and girls across the continent.
UN Women fosters a culture of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds are valued and respected. It operates with a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
Professional growth is a key component of the UN Women experience. Employees are encouraged to build and share knowledge related to administrative and operations support, contributing to the overall efficiency of the office. The organization provides exposure to modern web-based ERP systems and high-level intergovernmental processes, allowing staff to develop sophisticated skills in international administration and external relations.
UN Women is an equal-opportunity employer that explicitly encourages women and underrepresented groups to apply. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, and organizational need, ensuring a workforce that is as diverse as the communities it serves. By joining UN Women, you become part of a global movement dedicated to achieving lasting equality and empowerment for women and girls.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Executive and Administrative Associate plays a vital role in supporting the UN Women Special Representative to the AU and UNECA. By performing a variety of standard administrative processes with high accuracy, the associate ensures the smooth functioning of the Special Representative’s office. This role is essential for maintaining a client-oriented and results-driven approach within the Liaison Office’s operations.
A day in the life of this associate involves managing a complex schedule of appointments, arranging international travel and accommodations, and screening high-level communications with tact and discretion. The associate acts as a focal point for information management, prioritizing correspondence and ensuring that the Special Representative is informed of critical action points and deadlines. This high-visibility role provides a unique opportunity to interact with high-ranking officials and international counterparts.
The strategic impact of this position is significant, as the associate coordinates the Liaison Office’s participation in intergovernmental and partnership meetings. By preparing briefing materials, background documents, and meeting summaries, the associate directly supports the organization’s advocacy efforts at the continental level. This support ensures that gender-related inputs are effectively integrated into key regional events and policy dialogues.
Career development is facilitated through involvement in diverse operational tasks, including procurement processes, vendor management, and recruitment support. The associate gains proficiency in the Quantum system and other web-based management tools, which are foundational for a career within the United Nations system. The role also offers experience in protocol matters and external relations, enhancing the incumbent’s professional portfolio in international administration.
Ultimately, the Executive and Administrative Associate ensures that the Liaison Office transforms regional commitments into concrete action. By facilitating the flow of communication and ensuring the safekeeping of confidential materials, the associate maintains the professional standards necessary for UN Women’s strategic positioning. This role is a driving force behind the efficient and effective delivery of programs that benefit women and girls across Africa.
Job Positions and Requirements
Executive and Administrative Associate (NPSA-6)
Educational Qualification: Completion of secondary education is required; a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or public administration is an asset.
Work Experience: At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, secretarial, or programme support. Experience with international organizations such as UN agencies is required.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Salary: Per Scale (NPSA-6).
No. Required: 1.
Employment Type and Compensation
The position is offered as a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) with an initial contract duration of one year. This is a full-time role based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The NPSA-6 grade ensures a competitive compensation package that aligns with UN Women’s commitment to rewarding professionalism and high-quality administrative support.
Compensation is growth-oriented and includes the stability of being part of a premier international agency. In addition to the base salary, personnel benefit from an environment of mutual respect and a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment. UN Women prioritizes the well-being of its staff, providing a platform for long-term career stability within the UN system.
How to Apply
Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are fully completed, particularly the sections on education and employment history. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from the selection process. Interested candidates should apply through the official UN Women jobs portal using the Job Identification number 33753.
Please note that scanned certificates or attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. UN Women focuses on the details provided in the online application form for initial screening. Verification of academic credentials and employment history will be conducted during rigorous reference and background checks for selected candidates only.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments, which may include written tests and interviews. Original documents will be required for physical verification during the final interview stage. All selected candidates must adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN personnel.
The recruitment timeline for this vacancy is approximately two weeks from the posting date. If you require reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your initial application. Applications must be submitted before the closing date to ensure consideration.
The primary channel for application is the online portal. Ensure that your application highlights your experience with international organizations and proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based management systems.
Application Deadline
May 13, 2026