EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator, support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Under the guidance of the Head of Office and direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator (RC), and in full confidentiality, the Executive Assistant ensures effective and efficient functioning of the RC Front-Office, overall management of the RC's schedule and logistical requirements, maintenance of protocol procedures, management of information flow, and follow up on deadlines and commitments made.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Executive Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

1. ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF THE RC FRONT OFFICE: Maintain the Resident Coordinator s calendar and representation schedule, arrange appointments and meetings of the RC, provide protocol coverage, ensure logistical details of RC participation in events, and act as an interpreter and/or taking minutes of meetings when required. Coordinate high-quality briefing materials for the RC for appointments, meetings, events, and missions and ensure that all correspondence and documents submitted to the RC are according to UN norms and standards including directives, coordinate comments on behalf of RC for signature and action/follow-up when required. Draft key correspondence, including notes to files, minutes of meetings and Note Verbales, and provide translation for official correspondence. Manage RC travel and missions, prepare travel requests, ensure flight bookings and provision of logistics information, and follow up on trip reports and travel claims. Maintain contact lists of high-level partners, UN Agencies, and Diplomatic Corps. Assist in organizing official events: travel (booking flights, request for security clearance, arrangements at airport, etc.) for local and high-level visitors as required. In collaboration with the RCO team, prepare and maintain checklists and templates for relevant processes (high level visits, meetings preparation etc). Coordinate the activities of the RC driver. Provide all similar services and support to RC.
2. ENSURE PROVISION OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT TO THE OFFICE : Maintain the filing system (in TEAMS/Sharepoint) ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials. Use of automated filing system. Screen RC incoming calls and correspondence. Support the organization and communication of various coordination meetings, including UNCT meetings. Participate in the organization of official UN Days, public events, joint UN events and provide secretariat and administrative support to the UNCT Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to RC.
3. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: Act as an alternate to the RCO Administrative Assistant when required to support RCO in day-to-day administrative tasks as required, including contract administration, budget and finance, and human resource management. Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as the preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. Assists with visualisations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. Provide support to the RC in matters such as documentation, visas, travel arrangements, house and school search, etc. Ensures that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented. Performs other relevant duties as assigned

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Ability to perform analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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.

PLANNING& 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.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Completion of High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor's or Advanced University Degree in Business Administration, Office Management, Communication or related fields would be an advantage.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in executive assistance, administrative support or front office functions at senior management level is required.
• The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level University degree.
• Work experience with the United Nations, international organization, diplomatic mission or government institution is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting senior officials or executive offices, including protocol arrangements is required.
• One(1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing meetings, missions and high-level events, including coordination with internal and external stakeholders is required.
• Experience managing resources, including personnel and budget, to support communications and advocacy activities in a local context, is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.