Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Senior Administrative Officer
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (and other UN locations globally)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: Multiple (Roster Recruitment)
• Salary: Competitive, based on UN P-5 salary scale
• Category/Department: Management and Administration
• Reporting To: Chief of Service/Department/Division/Branch
• Application Deadline: July 22, 2025
• Job Opening ID: 258222

Introduction

The united nations jobs in kenya offer a transformative career opportunity for seasoned professionals eager to lead strategic administrative functions within a global organization dedicated to peace, development, and humanitarian impact. This Senior Administrative Officer role is a prestigious position for a dynamic leader to oversee critical operations, including human resources, finance, budgeting, and program implementation, across UN Secretariat offices and field missions in Kenya. Designed for professionals with a passion for operational excellence and data-driven decision-making, this role provides a platform to shape policies, manage diverse teams, and contribute to global mandates while advancing your career in Nairobi’s vibrant international hub.

About the United Nations Secretariat

The United Nations Secretariat is a cornerstone of global governance, driving impactful programs across peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Operating in over 193 member states, including extensive programs in Kenya, the Secretariat employs thousands of professionals to deliver on its mission of fostering international cooperation. With a strong presence in Nairobi, home to key UN offices like UNEP and UN-Habitat, the organization is renowned for its commitment to diversity, gender equality, and innovation in administration. The Secretariat’s work in Kenya supports critical initiatives, from environmental sustainability to humanitarian aid, making it a pivotal employer for professionals seeking meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Administrative Officer will lead a broad spectrum of administrative and programmatic functions, ensuring seamless operations across UN field missions and offices. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide policy guidance to senior leadership on united nations jobs in kenya, shaping conceptual strategies and overseeing the implementation of divisional policies.
• Plan and manage section activities, ensuring timely execution of work programs and coordinating diverse projects with UN agencies, donors, and stakeholders.
• Prepare position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies, such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions and the General Assembly.
• Ensure high-quality outputs, maintaining clarity, objectivity, and compliance with UN mandates for all section deliverables.
• Contribute to work program inputs, prioritizing resource allocation to achieve timely delivery of outputs.
• Lead human resource administration, overseeing recruitment, staff mobility, career development, and gender equality initiatives.
• Recruit staff with a focus on geographical and gender balance, adhering to UN institutional values.
• Advise on non-staff recruitment, including consultants, interns, and non-reimbursable loan agreements.
• Identify and manage complex management reviews, directing teams through all stages of analysis and resolution.
• Manage teams by setting objectives, evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and fostering a high-productivity environment.
• Foster teamwork and communication across organizational boundaries to enhance collaboration.
• Perform quality assurance reviews for recruitment cases, ensuring compliance with UN standards.
• Participate in panels such as the SPA panel, Local Contracts Committee, and Welfare Committee as a member or chair.
• Contribute to budget and program performance reports, ensuring accurate reporting to intergovernmental bodies.
• Oversee financial resource management, preparing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and advising on resource allocation.
• Certify financial transactions and reports, ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations.
• Coordinate work program and budget implementation, maintaining expenditures within authorized levels.
• Provide administrative and operational guidance on procurement, IT, logistics, travel, security, and property management.
• Participate in international, regional, or national meetings, offering programmatic expertise and engaging with institutional representatives.
• Develop section work plans, justifying resource allocation and optimizing office space utilization.
• Ensure compliance with corporate requirements, monitoring annual work plan implementation.
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts to identify trends for data-driven planning and decision-making.
• Prepare responses to internal and external audit observations, ensuring compliance with UN policies on HR, finance, and procurement.
• Perform additional programmatic and administrative tasks to support section functionality.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this united nations jobs in kenya role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and skills:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, human resources, program management, or a related field.
• First-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may substitute for an advanced degree.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in administration, budget, finance, human resources, program management, or general management.
• Experience in managing organizational change or implementing corporate-level administrative reforms/policies.
• Experience supporting senior leadership with strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance management.
• Proficiency in enterprise resource planning systems and data-driven management.
• Fluency in English or French (reading, speaking, understanding, and writing at a proficient level).
• Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial, and HR policies and procedures within the UN or similar international organizations.
• Strong analytical and evaluative skills for conducting independent research, data analytics, and reporting.
• Ability to oversee administrative service delivery in field or headquarters settings.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to empower teams, resolve conflicts, and drive organizational improvements.
• Commitment to gender balance and geographical diversity in staffing decisions.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, such as MS Excel, for decision-making and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication abilities to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Preferred: Experience with UN-specific platforms like Inspira or similar recruitment systems.
• Preferred: Knowledge of Swahili or other local languages for effective engagement in Kenya.

Company Culture and Values

The United Nations Secretariat fosters a culture of accountability, inclusion, and professional excellence. Staff are empowered to lead with integrity, innovate in their roles, and contribute to global mandates that promote peace, sustainability, and human rights. The organization is committed to gender equality, diversity, and equitable opportunities, ensuring all team members thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment. In Kenya, the Secretariat’s offices emphasize community engagement, capacity building, and sustainable development, creating a dynamic workplace for professionals passionate about global impact. Training and career development opportunities are prioritized to support staff growth and adaptability in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Senior Administrative Officer position. Candidates must submit their applications through the United Nations Careers Portal by July 22, 2025. Required documents include:

• A complete Personal History Profile (PHP) via the Inspira platform
• A tailored cover letter indicating all qualifying lateral moves (for UN staff)
• Copies of relevant academic certificates and professional qualifications

Ensure the job title “Senior Administrative Officer – Job Opening ID 258222” is clearly stated in your application. Only online applications via the UN Careers Portal (https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/258222?language=en) will be considered. The United Nations Secretariat is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented member states. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include a written exercise and a competency-based interview. Successful candidates will be placed on the P-5 roster for future UN Secretariat vacancies.

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Detailed Overview of the Senior Administrative Officer Role

The united nations jobs in kenya provide a unique platform for professionals to contribute to global missions while advancing their careers in administration. The Senior Administrative Officer position, classified at the P-5 level, is a senior leadership role within the UN Secretariat, requiring expertise in managing complex administrative functions across human resources, finance, budgeting, and program implementation. Based in Nairobi, a key hub for UN operations in Africa, this role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, multicultural environment, collaborating with diverse teams to deliver on the UN’s global mandates.

Strategic Policy and Planning

As a Senior Administrative Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of your section. This includes providing policy guidance to senior leadership on united nations jobs in kenya, ensuring that administrative strategies align with the organization’s broader objectives. You will oversee the development and implementation of divisional policies, ensuring they are cohesive across departments and compliant with UN mandates. By planning and managing section activities, you will coordinate diverse projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goals.

Human Resource Leadership

A core component of this role is leading human resource administration. You will oversee recruitment processes, ensuring adherence to UN values such as geographical diversity and gender balance. This includes advising on the recruitment of consultants, interns, and other non-staff personnel, as well as managing staff mobility, career development, and performance evaluations. Your leadership will foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging innovation and high productivity while addressing complex management reviews.

Financial and Budgetary Oversight

The Senior Administrative Officer is responsible for strategic financial management, including preparing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations. You will certify financial transactions and contribute to reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability. By overseeing budget implementation, you will advise senior management on resource allocation, ensuring expenditures remain within authorized limits and support programmatic objectives.

General Administration and Data-Driven Decision Making

This role requires providing operational guidance on procurement, IT, logistics, travel, security, and property management, ensuring seamless administrative support for your section. You will lead data collection and analysis efforts, using tools like MS Excel to identify trends and inform data-driven planning. Additionally, you will prepare responses to audit observations, ensuring compliance with UN policies across HR, finance, and procurement.

Impact in Nairobi and Beyond

Nairobi, as a global hub for UN operations, offers a vibrant setting for this role. The Senior Administrative Officer will contribute to united nations jobs in kenya by supporting critical programs in areas such as environmental sustainability, humanitarian aid, and development. Your work will have a direct impact on local and global communities, aligning with the UN’s mission to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.

Why Pursue United Nations Jobs in Kenya?

The united nations jobs in kenya are highly sought after for their impact, prestige, and opportunities for professional growth. As a Senior Administrative Officer, you will work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with international experts and local stakeholders to deliver on global mandates. Nairobi’s role as a UN hub, hosting organizations like UNEP and UN-Habitat, makes it an ideal location for professionals seeking to advance their careers in administration while contributing to meaningful change.

Career Growth and Development

This role offers significant opportunities for career advancement within the UN system. As a P-5 level position, it positions you for leadership roles across the Secretariat’s global operations. The UN’s commitment to training and development ensures you will have access to resources to enhance your skills in data analytics, leadership, and strategic planning. By joining the P-5 roster, you will be considered for future vacancies, providing a pathway to long-term career growth.

Collaborative and Inclusive Work Environment

The UN Secretariat’s culture emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. As a Senior Administrative Officer, you will work with teams from diverse backgrounds, fostering teamwork and communication across organizational boundaries. The UN’s commitment to gender equality and geographical diversity ensures a workplace where all voices are valued, creating a supportive environment for professional excellence.

Contributing to Global Impact

By taking on united nations jobs in kenya, you will contribute to initiatives that address global challenges, from climate change to humanitarian crises. Your work will support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, making a tangible impact on communities in Kenya and beyond. This role is ideal for professionals who are motivated by a sense of purpose and a desire to drive positive change.

Application Process and Next Steps

To apply for this united nations jobs in kenya opportunity, candidates must submit their applications through the UN Careers Portal by July 22, 2025. The application process is rigorous, designed to identify candidates with the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Successful applicants will undergo an assessment exercise, which may include a written test and a competency-based interview. Those selected will be placed on the P-5 roster, making them eligible for future UN Secretariat vacancies.

Preparing a Strong Application

To stand out in the application process, ensure your Personal History Profile (PHP) is complete and tailored to the Senior Administrative Officer role. Highlight your experience in administration, finance, human resources, and program management, emphasizing your ability to lead complex operations and deliver results in a multicultural environment. Your cover letter should detail your qualifying lateral moves (if applicable) and your commitment to the UN’s values of diversity and inclusion.

Key Deadlines and Considerations

The application deadline is July 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (New York time). Late submissions will not be considered, so apply early to avoid technical issues. Ensure your email address is correct to receive acknowledgment of your application. If you encounter issues with the Inspira platform, contact the UN’s technical support team through the “Need Help?” link.

Additional Resources for Job Seekers

For professionals exploring united nations jobs in kenya, JobKenya.org offers a wealth of resources to support your career journey. From verified job listings to real-time updates via our WhatsApp channel, we are committed to connecting Kenyan job seekers with meaningful opportunities. Explore additional vacancies and stay informed about the latest openings in Nairobi and beyond.

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Conclusion

The Senior Administrative Officer position is a cornerstone of united nations jobs in kenya, offering a unique opportunity to lead strategic administrative functions in a global organization. With a focus on policy development, human resource management, financial oversight, and data-driven decision-making, this role is ideal for experienced professionals seeking to make a lasting impact. By joining the UN Secretariat in Nairobi, you will contribute to global mandates while advancing your career in a dynamic, inclusive, and mission-driven environment. Apply today to take the next step in your professional journey.

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