Senior Executive Support Assistant

September 19, 2025

Grade

GS5

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

H (no hardship)

Family

2025-10-01

2026-03-31

Standard Job Description

Senior Executive Support Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position of Senior Executive Support Assistant is located within a Division/Bureau or Office of the Representation/Head of Office. The role of this position is to provide administrative and secretarial support services to the Head of Office or immediate Supervisor, in order to ensure the smooth running of the Office and its flow and management of administrative and routinely information. This would involve direct contact with other staff members and contacts with the teams of high ranking officials, both within and outside UNHCR.
Subject to the nature of the task/assignment, the incumbent will work independently on routine tasks, while will follow instructions of the supervisor for more complex issues.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Provide secretarial and administrative support to the UNHCR Office thus it's better able to meet its objectives.
- Arrange appointments and maintains supervisor's calendar. Receive visitors; places and screens telephone calls and answers queries with discretion.
- Arrange meetings, both internal and external, some involving high-ranking officials, and take minutes and/or notes at meetings.
- Prepare informal translations and may act as interpreter.
- Draft correspondence, documents and reports, some of which are highly confidential.
- Receive, screen, log and route correspondence, attach necessary background information and maintain follow-up system.
- Draft official correspondence, documents and reports on routine matters and/or for clearance by the supervisor and ensure follow-up. Maintain filing system for electronic and hard copy documents.
- Maybe required to assist in Human Resources tasks (attendance record, travel arrangements, preparation of travel authorisation, /claims, etc.) for staff within the unit.
- Assist in the preparation of visit programmes, briefings on issues covered by the Unit, collection of documentation for briefing kits; talking points and other material for missions, meetings and visits.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5- 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Business Administration, Secretarial, Office Management,
Human Resources, or other related field
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
CO-Drafting and Documentation
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Please note that this a Temporary Assignment in a replacement capacity for a period of 6 months and without foreseeable possibility of extension.

Desired Candidate Profile

Given the complexity of UNHCR’s work in Slovakia, in a fast-evolving regional context, the Office requires a highly organized, proactive, and adaptable Senior Executive Support Assistant. The incumbent must demonstrate excellent organizational, administrative and coordination skills, ensuring the smooth functioning of the Office and effective support to the Head of Office. The ability to manage competing priorities and facilitate efficient communication flows is essential.

The successful candidate should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with colleagues at all levels, senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, and external partners. The ability to work independently on routine matters, while exercising sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information, is essential. The incumbent must also be able to draft, prepare, and review correspondence, meeting inputs, and briefing materials in a professional and timely manner.
In view of the Office’s external engagement, experience in managing social media channels and producing clear, concise communications is desirable. Interest and previous experience in developing cooperation with the private sector, the diplomatic community and fundraising activities would be considered an asset. Familiarity with climate-related policies and advocacy is also valued, given the growing importance of this agenda within UNHCR’s work.

Desirable qualifications and skills include:
• Previous experience in administrative, secretarial or executive support functions in an international organization, government or diplomatic environment;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster effective internal coordination and collaboration across teams, while maintaining professional engagement with external stakeholders;
• Strong drafting, reporting, and communication skills in both English and Slovak;
• Prove ability to coordinate multiple tasks, ensure timely follow-up on action points and support senior management decision-making;
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively to urgent requests;
• Experience in managing social media content and communications outreach;
• Interest and experience with the private sector and diplomatic engagement, including previous exposure to fundraising activities;
• Knowledge or interest in climate change and sustainability policies.

Language Requirements

Knowledge of English as the UN working language of the duty station and knowledge of Slovak language is required.

Eligibility

This position is open to applications from internal and external candidates, provided that requirements regarding professional experience, academic qualifications, language, etc. are fulfilled. A break of minimum 31 days is required before a staff member who currently holds a Fixed Term or Indefinite Appointment may be rehired on a Temporary Appointment. This requirement is waived if the staff member is selected for a Temporary Appointment in another duty station.

TO THE ATTENTION OF EXTERNAL CANDIDATES:
External Candidates must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position and must have either Slovak citizenship or the legal status necessary to work in Slovakia.
Your application will NOT be considered if;
- The residence/work permit is not submitted (for non-Slovak candidates)

TO THE ATTENTION OF ALL CANDIDATES:
Your application will NOT be considered if the application form is not duly filled.

Additional Information

UNHCR’s workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. We seek to sustain and strengthen this diversity and to ensure equal opportunities, as well as an inclusive working environment, for our entire workforce. Joining us means living, sharing and promoting these core values of inclusion, diversity and gender equality.

Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
UNHCR reserves the right to retain applications and consider external candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNHCR at the same grade or lower level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements for the appointment of a shorter duration (Temporary Appointment).

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. No late applications will be accepted.

Remuneration & Benefits

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. The monthly gross salary is between EUR 1,846 and EUR 2,175, depending on relevant experience, dependency status and language proficiency. The net amount may vary depending on entitlements and deductions applicable. The deductions include a mandatory Medical Insurance Plan deduction and contribution to the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, while the entitlements may include dependency allowance. For more information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the Office of HR Management of United Nations.

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Operational Context

Slovakia continues to receive individuals crossing its borders to flee ongoing hostilities. Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, more than 170,000 refugees have applied for temporary protection (TP) in Slovakia, predominantly women and children. As of 31 August 2025, almost 135,000 individuals hold valid TP status granted by the Slovak government. Women and children constitute nearly 80 percent of the total displaced population, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with urgent health needs.

Slovakia’s strategic geographical position and EU membership will continue to place it at the crossroads of regional displacement and migration dynamics, including as a potential transit or destination country. Given these dynamics, the country remains central to the regional humanitarian architecture and requires sustained engagement by international actors.

With the protracted nature of displacement, the needs of refugees from Ukraine in Slovakia have also shifted. While considerable progress has been made in many sectors of the response, including by national authorities and humanitarian partners, specific risks and needs among the refugee population remain unresolved, and several challenges require targeted and sustainable solutions. These include barriers to inclusion in national systems, legal obstacles affecting their access to protection and essential services, and protection risks faced by vulnerable groups.

UNHCR will maintain its leadership role in the refugee response while shifting from direct service provision to strengthening Slovak institutions, systems, and civil society actors for long-term sustainability. In doing so, UNHCR aims to safeguard asylum space, promote inclusive policies, and ensure that the voices of refugees continue to inform decisions that affect their lives.

Nature of the Position

The Senior Executive Support Assistant is based in the UNHCR National Office in Bratislava, Slovakia, and reports to the Head of Office. The role of this position is to provide administrative and secretarial support services to the Head of Office, to ensure the smooth functioning of the Office and the flow of information to enable efficient communication and follow-up on action taken. This would involve direct contact with other staff members and liaising with teams of senior officials, both within and outside UNHCR. Depending on the nature of the task/assignment, the incumbent will work independently on routine tasks, while following the instructions of the supervisor on more complex issues.

Living and Working Conditions

Slovakia is a developed country with an advanced, high-income economy. It also performs favourably in measurements of civil liberties, press freedom, internet freedom, democratic governance, and peacefulness. The country maintains a combination of a market economy with a comprehensive social security system, providing citizens with universal health care, free education, and one of the longest paid parental leaves in the OECD. Slovakia became an independent state on 1 January 1993 after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia. It has, nevertheless, remained a close partner with the Czech Republic. Both countries co-operate with Hungary and Poland in the Visegrád Group. In 2024, Peter Pellegrini became the new president of Slovakia for a five-year term. The country has the beautiful Tatra Mountains, the Danube river and many historical places, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Bratislava offers good living conditions with a wide range of hotels, Airbnb, and apartments and flats. Accommodation can be sourced using the services of property agencies, as well as through various online websites. International schools are available. Health care is relatively good, but there is a shortage of professionals in many occupations, including doctors and medical staff, making access to health care somewhat challenging.

No specific security conditions pertain to Slovakia. Bratislava is a safe metropolitan city, however, as in any other city, caution shall be exercised when using public transport to avoid pickpocketing. Political protests can happen at short notice and may turn violent. Large gatherings must be avoided.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

English

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Slovak

,

,

,

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Education

Certifications

Business Administration - Other, Human Resources - Other, Office Management - Other, Secretarial - Other

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Temporary Appointment for a period of 6 months.