The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting qualified and dedicated professionals to apply for the position of Senior Administrative Assistant based in Deir Ezzor, Syria. This full-time, non-family duty station role is offered under a UNOPS LICA-5 contract and comes with a Hardship Level E, reflecting the challenging yet highly impactful environment in which UNHCR operates.
This opportunity is ideal for experienced administrative professionals who are motivated by humanitarian service and who possess strong organizational, administrative, and coordination skills. With a target start date of 1 February 2026 and an application deadline of 27 January 2026, interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.
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About UNHCR and the Duty Station
UNHCR is mandated to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless persons worldwide. Working in some of the world’s most complex humanitarian settings, UNHCR provides life-saving assistance, protection services, and long-term solutions grounded in international law and human rights principles.
The duty station, Deir Ezzor, is classified as a high-hardship, non-family location, requiring resilience, professionalism, and a strong commitment to humanitarian values. Staff deployed here play a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of UNHCR operations that directly affect populations of concern.
Role Overview
The Senior Administrative Assistant provides essential administrative and operational support to the UNHCR office. While the role does not normally include direct supervisory responsibilities, the incumbent works closely with senior local or international staff and is entrusted with sensitive administrative, personnel, and logistical functions.
The position requires strict adherence to UNHCR administrative and financial rules, confidentiality, accuracy, and a high level of professionalism. The incumbent will also liaise with local suppliers, government officials, and Implementing Partners (IPs) on routine matters under guidance from supervisors.
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Key Duties and Responsibilities
The role encompasses a broad range of administrative and coordination functions, including but not limited to:
- Personnel administration:
- Assisting with interpretation and processing of staff entitlements
- Issuing contracts and maintaining personnel records and files
- Monitoring attendance, leave plans, overtime, and visa requirements
- Office and operations support:
- Managing office files and records; retrieving and organizing information for reports and correspondence
- Drafting administrative correspondence and reports, some of a confidential nature
- Arranging appointments, managing supervisors’ calendars, screening calls, and receiving visitors with discretion
- Logistics and procurement assistance:
- Supporting requisition and inventory management of office supplies and equipment
- Assisting with travel arrangements, visa issuance or renewals, and mission facilitation
- Claims and documentation:
- Assisting in the processing of MIP and other claims
- Preparing attestations and certificates for staff members
- Risk awareness and compliance:
- Supporting the identification and management of operational risks
- Escalating issues and concerns to supervisors as appropriate
- Ensuring all actions align with UNHCR’s regulatory framework and accountability standards
The incumbent may also be required to perform other related duties as operational needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma with at least 2 years of relevant experience, OR
- Bachelor’s degree or higher with at least 1 year of relevant experience
Relevant experience areas include:
- Business administration
- Finance
- Office management
- Human resources
- Administrative support roles within international or multicultural environments
Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations, and familiarity with UNHCR administrative and financial procedures, is a strong advantage.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong computer literacy and experience with ERP systems (e.g. PeopleSoft)
- Knowledge of UN/UNHCR administrative rules and procedures
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural and high-pressure environments
- High standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or role-specific training is considered desirable.
Languages
- Knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required
- Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the operation is an asset
Ethics, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
UNHCR maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, discrimination, or abuse of power. All staff members are expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment.
The organization strongly encourages qualified female applicants to apply and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in recruitment.
Why This Role Matters
This position offers more than administrative work it provides the opportunity to support frontline humanitarian operations in one of the most complex contexts in the world. The Senior Administrative Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring that UNHCR teams can operate efficiently, compliantly, and with integrity in service of displaced and vulnerable populations.
How to Apply (Official Link)
Interested candidates must apply through UNHCR’s official careers portal before the deadline.
Please note: UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Late applications will not be accepted.
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