UNU is hiring a Program and Admin Support Assistant

Apply by 25 April 2025

1 week ago

UNU is hiring a Program and Admin Support Assistant

Are you passionate about global development, administration, and supporting impactful research across Africa and beyond? The United Nations University (UNU), through its Vice-Rectorate in Europe and the Pan African Cooperation and Educational Technologies (PACET) Programme, is looking for a Program and Admin Support Assistant to support its team in Bonn, Germany. This is a national Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) position, ideal for those with administrative or financial support experience who want to contribute to advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) globally.

🕊️ Application Deadline: 25 April 2025
📄 Contract Type: PSA (initially 1 year, renewable)
🌐 Organization: United Nations University – Vice-Rectorate in Europe / UNU-EHS
💼 Position: Program and Admin Support Assistant (PSA2)

Why You Should Consider Applying

This role is your opportunity to support cutting-edge research and educational activities within a global academic and policy think tank of the United Nations. You’ll play a key role in the PACET team, which drives collaboration with African partners and contributes to high-level policy dialogues, educational outreach, and international cooperation to achieve the SDGs, Agenda 2063, Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework.

You’ll be joining an inclusive, multicultural work environment in Bonn, Germany – a UN hub and a vibrant international city.

🏛️ About UNU and UNU-VIE

The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic and research arm of the UN. With a presence in over 12 countries and researchers working across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNU generates policy-relevant knowledge to tackle pressing global challenges.

The Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE), based in Bonn, supports strategic partnerships (especially with the Global South), coordinates joint activities, and conducts innovative research. One of its flagship programs is PACET (Pan African Cooperation and Educational Technologies), which focuses on empowering African institutions and communities through research, education, and collaboration.

💼 What You’ll Be Doing: Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will work under the Head of the PACET programme, supporting a variety of administrative, financial, and academic functions. Responsibilities include:

1. Financial Support

Monitor PACET’s financial resources for personnel and program planning.
Assist in budgeting, financial tracking, and preparing reports for donors and institutional partners.
Support with translations of financial and project reports if required.

2. Administrative and Project Support

Help organize workshops, seminars, strategic meetings, field research, and advisory committee events.
Assist in contract preparation for project staff and institutional collaborations.
Prepare documentation for annual and strategic reporting.

3. Coordination with Finance and Administration Units

Assist in travel request processing, procurement, and reimbursements.
Prepare financial workflows, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UN Financial Rules and Regulations (UNFRR).
Help maintain robust accounting and resource planning systems.

4. Academic and Event Support

Support with the administration of Master’s and PhD students.
Help organize academic events, block courses, summer schools, and learning programs in Germany and abroad.

5. Other Duties

Contribute to daily team tasks as required by the PACET head and project managers.

🔍 What They’re Looking For: Qualifications and Experience

📘 Education

A high school diploma is required.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field is highly desirable.

💼 Experience

At least 3 years of experience in finance or program support functions.
Familiarity with UN administrative procedures, procurement, and HR is a big plus.
Experience working in international or multicultural settings is advantageous.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) is a strong advantage.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.

🌐 Language Requirements

Fluency in English and German is required.
Knowledge of additional languages (especially French, Spanish, or Portuguese) is an asset.

💡 Key Performance Indicators

Timely and accurate financial and administrative support.
High-quality event and project coordination.
Effective internal communication and team collaboration.
Positive representation of PACET and UNU to partners and stakeholders.

🌍 Diversity and Inclusion at UNU

UNU embraces the United Nations’ core values of inclusion, integrity, humility, and humanity. The organization strongly encourages applications from:

Women and persons from developing countries.
Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
Candidates of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

💰 Compensation and Benefits

This is a locally recruited PSA position, not a UN staff post.
Remuneration includes:
- Competitive annual net salary based on experience.
- 30 days of annual leave.
- Health insurance package.
Tax responsibility lies with the employee.

📌 Note: UNU will assist in securing a work visa for Germany, but no relocation allowance is provided.

🗓️ Contract Duration and Career Prospects

Initial contract: 1 year, renewable based on performance and needs.
Maximum duration under UNU PSA: 6 years.
Candidates may also be considered for similar future positions.

Apply

Ready to join UNU’s mission and work in Bonn? Here’s how to apply:

Download and fill out the UNU P11 Form
👉 Get it from UNU’s Careers Page
Include a cover letter detailing your fit for the role.
Answer the tailored questions in the application portal.
Submit all documents by 25 April 2025 (check time zone on UNU site).

💬 Tip: Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for sustainable development, administrative excellence, and cross-cultural collaboration.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to grow their career in international development, education, and research administration. Whether you’re transitioning from the private sector or already working in international organizations, this position at UNU-EHS / UNU-ViE offers hands-on involvement in shaping policy and educational tools for Africa and the Global South.

Join a global institution that’s making real change. Apply before 25 April 2025, and take your next step toward a meaningful, globally impactful career.