Senior Executive Assistant to the AHC - Operations

Responsibilities

• Manage the flow of information to and from the AHC-O's Office, identify priority matters, secure and analyse documents, and take appropriate follow-up action.
• Read, screen and control incoming correspondence and documentation addressed to the AHC-O, identify priorities, flag issues requiring decision or guidance, initiate action and follow up to ensure timely implementation of decisions.
• Keep the AHC-O informed of developments in operations, emergency situations, security, programme, supply, sustainable responses, Regional Bureau coordination and other relevant operational or policy issues.
• Exchange high-level information, some of which may be confidential, on matters related to UNHCR's global operational priorities and the AHC-O's responsibilities.
• Maintain a measured, constructive and timely flow of information between the AHC-O's Office, the Executive Office, Regional Bureaux, Headquarters divisions and services, and other relevant UNHCR entities.
• Liaise with Directors of Regional Bureaux, Divisions and Services, Representatives, responsible officers at Headquarters and in the field, and high-level external counterparts on matters requiring the AHC-O's attention or action.
• Support the AHC-O in coordinating across the Regional Bureaux and relevant Headquarters entities, in line with the AHC-O's responsibility to provide leadership for global operations and ensure coordination across Bureaux.
• Attend ad hoc operational task forces, senior-level coordination meetings and other internal or external meetings as required; prepare notes, minutes or records of decisions; and follow up on agreed actions.
• Prepare and coordinate the AHC-O's mission programme, including screening requests for meetings and field visits, obtaining and organizing background material, preparing briefing packages and supporting follow-up after missions.
• Accompany the AHC-O on missions and to selected internal or external meetings, as required, to provide briefing support, note-taking, reporting and follow-up.
• Support the

Benefits

Additional Information

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium. Deadline for Applications June 12, 2026 Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade PR4 Staff Member / Affiliate Type Professional Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-05-29 Standard Job Description Senior Executive Assistant to the AHC - Operations Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Executive Assistant to the Assistant High Commissioner for Operations (AHC-O) works under the direct guidance of the AHC-O and supports the effective functioning of the AHC-O's Office. The position is situated in the senior executive support function at Headquarters and requires close coordination with the Executive Office, the Senior Executive Team, Regional Bureaux, Headquarters divisions and services, and other relevant internal and external stakeholders. The AHC-O provides leadership for UNHCR's global operational activities, including emergency preparedness and response, security, programme and supply, and the advancement of sustainable responses to forced displacement through partnerships and innovative strategies. The AHC-O also ensures coordination across the Regional Bureaux. The Senior Executive Assistant supports the AHC-O in managing information flows, identifying priority matters requiring the AHC-O's attention, coordinating follow-up on decisions, and ensuring timely preparation for meetings, missions and engagements. The incumbent liaises with Directors of Bureaux and Divisions, senior managers at Headquarters and in the field, and external interlocutors on matters requiring the AHC-O's attention or action. The incumbent handles sensitive and, at times, confidential information relating to operational priorities, policy developments, field situations, senior-level decision-making and institutional follow-up. The role requires sound political judgement, discretion, strong drafting skills, organizational awareness and the ability to maintain a constructive flow of information between the AHC-O's Office, Regional Bureaux, Headquarters entities and other counterparts. S/he is also a core member of the Executive Office team. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

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