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Administrative Assistant, Office of the Director of BDT

Deadline for Applications (23:59 GMT +2:00): 3 January 2012
(24 day(s) until closing deadline)
Duration of Contract: 2 years
Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term Appointment Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Grade: G7
Organ:
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union (the Union has three functional sectors: Standardization, Radiocommunication and Development) which deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, as well as technical cooperation activities (expert missions, training programmes, field projects, seminars, etc.).
Duties / Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Director, BDT, the incumbent is responsible for the running and supervision of the administrative processes in the Director's office and performs the following duties:
  • Provides in depth advice and guidelines to Assistants of BDT in the Headquarters, to the Assistants of the field offices and to other BDT staff members, as appropriate, on the execution of the Director's instructions or the drafting of text/correspondence in accordance with directives from the Director and controls that the deadlines and procedures are respected.
  • Manages the Director's appointments and daily schedule; receives visitors, including Ministers of State, Ambassadors, representatives of Member States and high officials of international organizations or Sector Members.
  • Establishes and maintains contacts with high level officials from Administrations, Sector Members and international organizations, on both general matters and specific issues of importance to the Bureau, to ensure smooth cooperation, understanding of requirements and resolution of sensitive or difficult problems.
  • Screens and answers verbal requests and telephone calls from other Bureaux and Departments of the Union and from external callers concerning the work of the Director or questions being dealt with by him/her. Keeps abreast of ITU-D activities in general so as to be able to reply or transmit requests to the services concerned. Ensures coordination between the Bureaux and Officials.
  • Manages the Director's representation allowance, advises the Director on the status of the fund, collects invoices, transmits commitments for expense.
  • Reviews requests for invitations/missions addressed to the Director, assesses their importance and priority based on the Director's agenda, makes proposals for the best utilization of the Director's schedule; corresponds with inviting organizations declining or accepting invitations.
  • Organizes and makes all preparations for the Director's official travel liaising with hosts and coordinating with Travel Section; ensures that travel arrangements, appointments, hotel reservations are made, adapts any special terms and conditions for missions/invitations; ensures timely collection and coordination of briefing material and background documentation for the Director prior to missions.
  • Keeps the Director informed, while on mission, of important developments and sensitive issues, sending copies of documents or correspondence as necessary. On the Director's instructions, handles certain matters during his/her absence.
  • Assists the Director at all important ITU meetings, conferences and events ensuring that relevant supporting documentation is available for his/her use.
  • Organizes special high-level conferences/meetings convened by the Director; identifies an appropriate venue, establishes logistics requirements, negotiates prices and services with the venue, prepares invitations, liaises with attendees and manages requirements, supervises welcoming of guests at the venue and smooth running of the event.
  • Acts as assistant to the Director at high-level meetings and conferences of the Sector, in Geneva or outside Geneva: liaising with the host country/Administration, hotels, etc. organizing receptions including selection of venues and price negotiations.
  • Reviews all correspondence prepared for the Director by various BDT Departments and Regional Offices in at least two official languages of the ITU, ensuring quality with respect to language and presentation. Advises and gives guidance to authors of outgoing responses in accordance with directives from the Director and ensures that these are adhered to. Monitors and follows up on the status of required actions or replies.
  • Drafts texts and correspondence in at least two official languages of the ITU; makes resumés and translations of texts or correspondence for the Director; prepares final presentations by the Director and other related documents.
  • Procures special complimentary goods needed for BDT Director, obtains samples and follow up timely delivery in accordance with the contracts, controls invoices and submits requests for payment.
  • Establishes and keeps up to date the Director's files for the Coordination Committee, Council, conferences and study group meetings; files correspondence and documents relating to administrative matters and confidential information.
  • Handles all sensitive issues, staff matters and confidential information considered by the Director with the utmost required discretion.
  • Supervises the work of an Assistant in the Director's office.
  • Carries out any other duties that may be necessary.
  • Qualifications required
    Education:
    Complete secondary education with a diploma OR complete equivalent technical or commercial studies with a diploma; PLUS advanced training in the field of the post OR its equivalent in instruction, training and experience.
    Experience:
    At least 10 years of experience in the field of the post. (A maximum of three years of studies in the field of the post and in a recognized school may replace the required experience on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience.)
    Languages:
    Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the ITU (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level. Knowledge of a second language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third language at basic level.
    Competencies:
  • Ability to work independently and take initiatives, anticipate problems and develop alternative solutions.
  • Client orientation and ability to work under pressure when required.
  • Tact, discretion, insight and diplomacy/protocol are essential.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with officials at all levels.
  • Ability to coordinate and provide guidance on secretarial services.
  • Familiarity with the United Nations or comparable institutions procedures and systems would be an asset.
  • Solid computer skills, full proficiency in various MS office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access etc..).
  • Knowledge of other IT applications would be an advantage.
  • Remuneration
    Annual Salary: (Net of Tax)
    90,042.- CHF - 119,762.- CHF without dependants


    Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for written test. Interviews may be used as a form of screening.

    For further information concerning the Conditions of Employment please click the following link