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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – United Nations (UN Resident Coordinator Office – Malawi)

Job Expired
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. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Malawi. 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. The position also provides substantive backstopping support to the administrative and operational management of the RCO.

Job Summary

  • Employer: United Nations (UN Resident Coordinator Office – Malawi)
  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Category: Administration
  • Closing Date: 2026-10-15

Key Responsibilities

  • 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 take minutes of meetings when required.
  • Coordinate high-quality briefing materials for the RC for appointments, meetings, events, and missions.
  • Draft key correspondence, including notes to file, minutes of meetings and Note Verbales, official correspondence, as required.
  • Manage RC travel and missions, prepare travel requests, ensure flight bookings and all logistical arrangements.
  • Maintain contact lists of high-level partners, UN Agencies, and Diplomatic Corps.
  • Assist in organizing official events and travel for local and high-level visitors as required.
  • In collaboration with the RCO team, prepare and maintain checklists and templates for relevant processes.
  • Maintain the filing system (in TEAMS/SharePoint) ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials.
  • Screen RC official incoming calls and correspondence, directing them, as appropriate, and drafting responses to routine correspondence.
  • Coordinate the activities of the RC driver.
  • Support, organize and communicate on the various inter-Agency 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.
  • Contribute to the preparation of non-technical speeches and presentations for the RC.
  • Act as an alternate to the RCO Administrative Assistant when required to support RCO in day-to-day administrative tasks.
  • Provide support to the RCO in matters such as documentation, visas, travel arrangements, house and school search, etc.
  • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports.
  • Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
  • Ensure that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented.
  • Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Completion of High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Additional/supplemental training in business administration, office management, communication or related field is an advantage.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in executive, administrative, coordination, or operational support functions, including roles requiring a high degree of discretion, confidentiality, and interaction with senior management, partners, or external stakeholders, or in a related area is required.
  • The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
  • Relevant experience acquired within the United Nations system, government institutions, international organizations, academic or research institutions, or comparable professional settings is required.
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating schedules, preparing briefing materials, managing information flows, and supporting leadership decision-making is required.
  • Experience supporting administrative, financial, human resource, or logistical processes, including personnel and budget-related matters, is required.
  • Work experience of one (1) year or more in data analytics or a related area is desirable.
  • Work experience with an Enterprise Resources Planning system, such as UMOJA, is desirable.
  • Experience in providing senior executive/administrative and management support within the UN system, international organizations, or embassies is required.
  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: careers.un.org

About the Company

The United Nations (UN) is an international intergovernmental organization established by the signing of the Charter of the United Nations on 26 June 1945 with the articulated mission of maintaining international peace and security, to develop friendly relations among states, to promote international cooperation, and to serve as a centre for harmonizing the actions of states in achieving those goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and education are typically required for an Executive Assistant role at the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Malawi?

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, plus several years of experience supporting senior executives. UN roles often prefer candidates with additional certifications in office management or international relations. Fluency in English is essential, and knowledge of local languages like Chichewa is highly advantageous.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Executive Assistant in this UN office?

Daily tasks include managing the Resident Coordinator's complex calendar, coordinating high-level meetings with government and NGO stakeholders, and preparing briefing materials on development programs. You will also handle confidential correspondence, travel arrangements, and liaison with UN agency heads based in Lilongwe. Strong organizational skills are critical given the fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.

How does the local work culture in Malawi affect expectations for this Executive Assistant position?

Malawian workplaces value respect for hierarchy and relationship-building, so you will need to navigate formal protocols when engaging with government ministers and traditional leaders. Punctuality is important in UN settings, though flexibility is required when coordinating with partners across different regions with varying infrastructure. Understanding local customs and demonstrating cultural sensitivity strengthens your effectiveness in this diplomatic environment.

What career progression opportunities exist for Executive Assistants in UN offices in Malawi?

Strong performers can advance to Senior Executive Assistant or Office Manager roles supporting multiple senior officials. With additional qualifications, some transition to Programme Assistant or coordination roles within UN agencies like UNDP or UNICEF. The UN system also offers mobility to other duty stations globally, though competition for these positions is intense.

What benefits are typically offered for Executive Assistant positions in UN offices in Malawi?

UN positions generally offer comprehensive medical insurance, pension contributions, and generous annual leave allowances that exceed local private sector standards. You may also receive education grants for dependents, rental subsidies, and home leave travel depending on your contract type. Specific entitlements vary between fixed-term and international staff appointments.

How should I apply for this role and what do UN employers in Malawi specifically look for in candidates?

Applications must be submitted through the official UN Careers portal with a tailored CV highlighting your experience with senior-level support and stakeholder coordination. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate discretion, political awareness, and proven ability to work across diverse cultural contexts. Include specific examples of managing complex logistics or supporting high-profile events relevant to Malawi's development sector.

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