Deadline for ApplicationsJanuary 21, 2026
Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS6
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2026-03-01
Standard Job Description
Management Support Associate
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Management Support Associate provides administrative support across multiple functional areas including finance, supply, human resources and office management. Operating with moderate supervision, the incumbent supports the implementation of management support procedures, monitors routine processes, and may provide guidance to junior staff to ensure effective service delivery and compliance with established policies.
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.
Duties
Human Resources Support
Coordinate recruitment logistics including job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling, and onboarding documentation.
Monitor contract expirations, leave plans, and staffing tables; follow up on required people management actions.
Provide first-line guidance to staff on HR policies, entitlements, and administrative formalities.
Assist in tracking performance management compliance and supporting staff development initiatives.
Financial Support
Assist in budget monitoring by maintaining tracking spreadsheets and alerting management to variances.
Prepare routine financial documents including payment requests, travel claims, and vendor payments in line with financial rules.
Support the monthly and year-end closure process by consolidating inputs and following up on outstanding transactions.
Liaise with Finance or Programme units to reconcile data and respond to queries.
Procurement and Supply Chain Support
Initiate procurement requests and monitor delivery status, ensuring proper documentation is retained.
Support vendor liaison and assist with contract preparation for routine purchases.
Conduct basic analysis of procurement timelines and escalate delays or inconsistencies.
Participate in inventory management activities and update asset records.
Administrative and Office Management
Assist the supervisor in ensuring the UNHCR Office premises/staff accommodation provide a healthy, safe and respectful working environment.
Provide general administrative support relating to visas, licences, work permit, travel…etc.
Arrange for requisition of office supplies and equipment, including Low Value Procurement and arrange for control of distribution and maintenance of appropriate inventory records.
Risk Management
Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Progressively responsible experience in administrative and management support functions, including areas like human resources, finance, procurement, or general administration. Experience in applying organizational policies and administrative procedures in day-to-day operations. Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple support functions simultaneously in a team setting.
Desirable
Experience working with the UN, NGOs, or other international organizations. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Experience in supporting operational risk management or compliance initiatives.
Functional Skills
AD-Contracts and invoice management
AD-Facility Management
AD-Monitor administrative and staff budget
AD-Office supplies management
BU-Budget and Financial Management
FI-General Financial Management
HR-Operational Workforce Planning
SC-Public procurement
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Judgement & Decision Making
Managing Performance
Managing Resource
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning & Organizing
Technological Awareness
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE
• Proven ability to work flexibly and professionally under pressure, with strong adaptability to changing circumstances.
• Extensive experience in accounting/bookkeeping, including use of ERP systems such as Oracle Cloud ERP.
• Skilled in budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting to senior management.
• Sound understanding of internal controls frameworks.
• Experience in procurement planning and coordination of local procurement activities.
• Ability to liaise effectively with government and external partners for services such as visas and tax exemptions.
• Solid background in HR management, with familiarity in HR policies and digital platforms like Workday.
• Ability to guide and advise colleagues on Staff Rules and Regulations, Organization’s HR policies and Administrative Instructions, and their implementation.
• Technologically proficient in platforms including SharePoint, MS Teams, and Microsoft Office 365.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills, with attention to details, ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Capable of prioritizing tasks and maintaining a calm, solution-focused approach in dynamic environments and client-oriented skills.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and discretion, with respect for diversity and confidentiality.
• Experience in implementing records management systems and policies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Must be physically based in Canberra and work in the office.
Preferred Qualifications
• Sound understanding of UNHCR’s mandate and its role as a United Nations agency and humanitarian protection organization.
• Experience with UN/UNHCR financial rules, regulations and procedures.
Eligibility:
Candidates must be Australian nationals or have legal working status in Australia. For dual citizens, the UN recognizes the one that has the nationality of the country where the office is located.
Remuneration:
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances, and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or any other fees).
UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at inspector@unhcr.org through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
SkillsAD-Contracts and invoice management, AD-Facility Management, AD-Monitor administrative and staff budget, AD-Office supplies management, BU-Budget and Financial Management, FI-General Financial Management, HR-Operational Workforce Planning, SC-Public procurement
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance