UNFPA recruits a Personal Assistant to the Representative CotonouIn Benin.
Key information
Job reference: 37510. Date of publication: 16 October 2026. Deadline for applications: November 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Type of contract: fixed term. Duration of the contract: 1 year, with possibility of extension. Grade: G6. Working hours: Full-time. Position status: non-rotational.
Education and qualifications
Level of study and experience: Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of experience or high school graduation diploma with 7 years of experience. Mandatory languages: French and English.
Job description
The Personal Assistant provides essential support to the Country Representative in administrative, secretariat and communications areas. He or she reports directly to the Country Representative.
How to Make a Difference
UNFPA is the UN agency charged with promoting a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe and every young person can reach their full potential.
UNFPA Strategic Plan for the period 2026-2029 defines the organization’s response to a complex global environment and is a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The mandate is based on four interrelated objectives: ending unmet family planning needs, eliminating preventable maternal deaths, ending gender-based violence and harmful practices, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence and rights-based policies.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at stake, UNFPA needs ethical and honest staff who embody international norms and standards and defend them with courage and conviction.
Job overview
The organization is looking for candidates who can transform practices, inspire others and achieve long-lasting, high-impact results. These people must contribute to the effectiveness of external relations, communication, partnership development and resource mobilization in an ever-changing context of development and financing.
UNFPA is also looking for transparent collaborators who are able to manage the resources entrusted to them with excellence and are committed to achieving quality results in the implementation of programmes.
Job purpose
As the country representative's main administrative support, the personal assistant ensures strict confidentiality of information, compliance with the protocol, proper flow of information and follow-up on deadlines and commitments.
He or she also contributes to knowledge sharing and management, provides logistical and communication support, and coordinates secretariat services.
Responsibilities
Ensure smooth communication between the country representative, office staff and external interlocutors. In consultation with other team members, respond to requests for information quickly and discreetly.
Prepare documents and presentations, including correspondence, briefing notes and reports. Conduct research and gather documents for travel and official meetings of the Representative.
Support logistical, administrative and financial arrangements for meetings and workshops organized by the Office of the Representative in consultation with the Director of Operations or the Operations Specialist.
Coordinate the secretariat services of the office, including providing information and training to new secretaries, guiding other secretaries on administrative procedures and allocating special administrative tasks.
Manage the Representative’s calendar and agenda, welcome visitors and senior officials, and write minutes when necessary.
Manage all aspects of the Representative’s travel, including maintaining appropriate records and reports as well as monitoring the budget of his office.
Participate in the preparation and finalization of the country office management plan, including preparing translations of documents and ensuring interpretation when necessary.
Candidate profile
Education: Completion of secondary education is mandatory. An undergraduate degree is desirable.
Experience: at least six years of relevant professional experience in administration. Some experience in supporting research. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Other information: a good command of common office software and corporate computerized financial systems. Good written and oral communication skills.
Languages: English proficiency is required. Knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations, preferably French and/or Spanish, is desirable.
Required skills
Values: Demonstrate integrity; demonstrate commitment to UNFPA and the UN system; respect and value cultural diversity; be open to change.
Functional skills: provision of logistical support; data management; document, correspondence and reporting management; information and workflow management; planning, organizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Key skills: achieve results; assume responsibilities; develop and practice professional expertise and business acumen; think analytically and strategically; work as a team and effectively manage professional relationships; communicate effectively to make an impact.
Management skills: provide strategic direction; collaborate with internal and external partners and stakeholders; lead, develop and empower employees, while fostering a performance-oriented culture; make decisions and exercise professional judgment.
UNFPA's work environment
UNFPA provides a work environment based on gender equality, diversity, integrity and a healthy work-life balance.
The organization is committed to gender equality and strongly encourages female candidates.
People from the LGBTQIA community+minority ethnic groups, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of other under-represented groups are also strongly encouraged
[Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally]