{"schemaVersion":3,"releaseId":"rel_20261114_8683fef1649f","builtAt":"2026-11-14T23:00:00.221Z","canonicalUrl":"https://www.diplomatic.careers/jobs/un-secretariat-administrative-officer-head-administration-unit-caracas-288087","job":{"slug":"un-secretariat-administrative-officer-head-administration-unit-caracas-288087","title":"Administrative Officer (Head of Administration Unit)","state":"open","closesAt":"2026-11-29T05:00:00.000Z","publishedAt":"2026-11-14T05:05:46.792Z","updatedAt":"2026-11-14T07:15:31.072Z","lastVerifiedAt":"2026-11-14T05:05:46.827Z","sourceUrl":"https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/288087?language=en","sourceName":"UN Careers (Secretariat / Inspira)","applicationUrl":"https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=288087&languageCd=ENG","workModes":["on-site"],"grades":["P-3"],"gradeKey":"p-3","careerLevel":"l3","professionalFunction":"administration","subjectArea":null,"requiredLanguages":["English","Spanish"],"requiredLanguagesOneOf":[],"citizenshipEligibility":"open","degreeLevel":"bachelor","yearsExperienceMin":7,"positionsCount":1,"internationallyRecruited":true,"summary":"Lead the administration unit supporting OCHA's Venezuela office through coordinated human resources, finance, budget, procurement, and general administrative services.","sourceDescription":"Org. Setting and Reporting\nThe position is located in the Crisis Response Division (CRD) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is part of the United Nations Secretariat, responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions. This position-specific job opening is being advertised for the position of Administrative Officer (Head of Administration Unit) in Caracas, Venezuela. The incumbent reports to the Head of Office OCHA Venezuela.\n\nResponsibilities\nWithin delegated authority, the Administrative Officer (Head of Administration Unit) will be responsible for the following duties: Human Resources Management • Effectively coordinates actions relative to the administration of human resource activities, e.g., recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures. • Defines conditions of service, duties and responsibilities, and privileges and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations. • Contributes to creating a harmonious working environment and support the well-being of staff, in line with OCHA's People Strategy and Duty of Care Framework. • Supports compliance with the Designated Officer / Security Management Team approved security management measures to protect staff, facilities, assets and equipment. Budget and Finance • Takes the lead with respect to the preparation and implementation of the budget in support of the work programme, ensuring that financial resources are utilized to implement activities in accordance with the Programme Budget and allotments issued. • Monitors and reviews the implementation of the budget by conducting regular and special reviews to assess progress of actual work versus the programme plan. Coordinates the production of programme reports. • Defines requirements and work with systems units with respect to improving budget reporting systems and cost-effective utilization of program resources. • Develops procedures and implement same to ensure that accounting and financial management controls are consistent with UN policy and practice. • Supervises and/or provides guidance on financial administration and management information issues and practices to colleagues. • Provides guidance and leadership to more junior staff. General Administration • Oversees work related to procurement, billing and receipt of income from various services, operational travel programme, procurement monitoring and evaluation of vendor contracts/payment to vendors and individual contractors for services. • Reviews adequacy of departmental space requirements. • Oversees the identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems, coordinating enhancements as necessary. • Performs other related work as required. Management of the Administration Unit • Defines clear roles and responsibilities for each team member and encourages their professional development. • Ensure the efficient and effective work of the unit, promoting a culture of excellence and accountability.\n\nCompetencies\nPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be \"clients\" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. PLANNING and ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.\n\nEducation\nAn advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.\n\nJob - Specific Qualification\nNot available.\n\nWork Experience\nA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, accounting, human resources management or related field is required. Experience with Umoja or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools is required. Experience in managing or supervising staff with direct reporting responsibilities is desirable. Experience in handling administrative-related matters in a humanitarian context within the UN common system or other comparable international organization is desirable. Administrative experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.\n\nLanguages\nEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Spanish are required. Either Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian or Arabic or French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIISpanishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIDesirable LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingChinese (Mandarin)UN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IRussianUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IArabicUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IFrenchUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I\n\nAssessment\nThe evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.\n\nSpecial Notice\nThis position is funded for a finite period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-general and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers by established rules and procedures. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. An impeccable record of integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.\n\nUnited Nations Considerations\nAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.\n\nNo Fee","description":["Lead the administration unit supporting OCHA's Venezuela office through coordinated human resources, finance, budget, procurement, and general administrative services."],"responsibilities":["Coordinate human resources activities and apply UN rules and procedures consistently.","Lead budget preparation, financial controls, and monitoring to support the work programme.","Oversee procurement, travel, vendor payments, office technology, and administration unit performance."],"requirements":[],"applicationInstructions":[],"engagementType":"staff","datePosted":"2026-11-13","applicationDeadline":"2026-11-28","locations":[{"label":"Caracas, Venezuela","city":"Caracas","country":"Venezuela","countryCode":"VE","remote":false}]},"organization":{"slug":"un-secretariat","name":"United Nations Secretariat","shortName":"UN Secretariat","websiteUrl":"https://www.un.org","careersUrl":"https://careers.un.org"},"filters":[{"field":"organization","value":"un-secretariat","label":"UN Secretariat"},{"field":"city","value":"caracas","label":"Caracas"},{"field":"country","value":"venezuela","label":"Venezuela"},{"field":"area","value":"administration","label":"Administration"},{"field":"level","value":"l3","label":"P3 Established professional"},{"field":"engagement","value":"staff","label":"Staff"},{"field":"education","value":"bachelor","label":"Bachelor's degree"},{"field":"experience","value":"7","label":"7+ years"},{"field":"language","value":"english","label":"English"},{"field":"language","value":"spanish","label":"Spanish"},{"field":"citizenship","value":"open","label":"Open to all nationalities"},{"field":"mode","value":"on-site","label":"On-site"}],"eligibilityGuide":{"slug":"who-can-apply-to-un-secretariat","title":"Who Can Apply to the United Nations Secretariat (UN Secretariat)"},"salaryBand":{"gradeKey":"p-3","grade":"P-3","careerLevel":"l3","currency":"USD","minimum":101795.05,"maximum":131465.23,"valueType":"range","calculationMethod":"base_plus_location_adjustment","calculationNote":"UN common-system net base salary plus the 42.7% duty-station adjustment for Venezuela. Excludes benefits, bonuses and personal allowances.","location":{"countryCode":"VE","placeKey":null,"label":"Venezuela"},"adjustmentPercent":42.7,"sourceUrl":"https://www.unicsc.org/Home/GetDataFile/5490","lastReviewed":"2026-08-30","updatedAt":"2026-11-08T06:16:16.710Z"},"organizationBenefits":[{"title":"Diplomatic document","summary":"The UN issues a United Nations laissez-passer to designated officials who need it for official travel. Member states recognize it as a valid travel document for that purpose.","details":["The UN issues a United Nations laissez-passer to designated officials who need it for official travel. Member states recognize it as a valid travel document for that purpose."],"sourceUrl":"https://treaties.un.org/doc/source/docs/III-1-in-English.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:50.657Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Education grant","summary":"Eligible dependent education support","details":["Internationally recruited UN Secretariat staff serving outside their home country receive an education grant for eligible children in full-time education. The grant covers part of the qualifying education cost."],"sourceUrl":"https://icsc.un.org/Resources/FAQs/who-is-eligible-for-the-educat.htm?d=1","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:52.454Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Functional immunity","summary":"UN officials have immunity from legal process for words and acts performed in their official capacity. The Secretary-General holds the authority to waive that protection.","details":["UN officials have immunity from legal process for words and acts performed in their official capacity. The Secretary-General holds the authority to waive that protection."],"sourceUrl":"https://treaties.un.org/doc/source/docs/III-1-in-English.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:50.657Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Health insurance","summary":"Staff medical insurance","details":["UN Secretariat staff receive medical and dental insurance through a plan matched to their duty station. Internationally recruited staff outside the United States use the Worldwide Plan. Locally recruited staff outside the United States enroll in the Medical Insurance Plan."],"sourceUrl":"https://hr.un.org/en/second-week","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:52.454Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Home leave","summary":"Eligible UN staff receive home leave to maintain ties with their home country. The standard cycle is 24 months, reduced to 12 months at designated difficult duty stations.","details":["Eligible UN staff receive home leave to maintain ties with their home country. The standard cycle is 24 months, reduced to 12 months at designated difficult duty stations."],"sourceUrl":"https://policy.un.org/en/annual-and-special-leave-1","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:50.657Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Income tax exemption","summary":"Limited eligibility","details":["The UN privileges convention exempts officials from national tax on UN salaries and emoluments. Member-state reservations for their own nationals determine the exceptions."],"sourceUrl":"https://treaties.un.org/doc/source/docs/III-1-in-English.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:50.657Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Pension","summary":"Staff retirement plan","details":["UN Secretariat staff with an appointment of at least six months join the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund. Staff contribute through payroll and the employing organization contributes twice the staff amount."],"sourceUrl":"https://www.unjspf.org/newsroom/new-unjspf-participant-here-is-what-you-need-to-know/","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:52.454Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Relocation","summary":"The UN pays appointment travel and relocation shipment for eligible staff moving to a duty station. Appointment type and duty-station movement determine coverage for the staff member and eligible family members.","details":["The UN pays appointment travel and relocation shipment for eligible staff moving to a duty station. Appointment type and duty-station movement determine coverage for the staff member and eligible family members."],"sourceUrl":"https://policy.un.org/en/travel-and-relocation-expenses","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:50.657Z","scope":"organization-wide"}]}