This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the health sector in Ethiopia by providing essential administrative and program support. The position offers exposure to high-profile projects, collaboration with key stakeholders, and professional development opportunities within a dynamic and impactful environment.
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.
About the Country/Multi-Country Office
Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.
This position operates within the Project Management Unit (PMU) established by UNOPS to support the Ministry of Health in the implementation of the Health Sector Transformation Plan (HSTP-II). The role is crucial for providing administrative and program support to ensure the effective coordination and execution of project activities, contributing to the strategic priorities of the health sector in Ethiopia.
Assistant will provide clerical assistance to the implementation of HSTP-II by providing administrative assistance to the project with the office of the Minister teams, and offices of the MOH which are responsible for implementing selected priorities of the plan. The role will provide program assistance including, but not limited to, assistance with planning, reporting, communication, and organization of program activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Administrative Support
Support the Office of the Minister with administrative requirements for the project.
Assist with resolving administrative problems, coordinating activities, and analyzing data in regards to administrative tasks.
Provide support with travel management, including booking, coordinating and arranging hotels, settling visas, work permits, and residence cards and liaising with travel colleagues in UNOPS.
Assist in correspondence: tend to calls, draft messages, and help provide information and administrative support when needed for the programme colleagues.
Assist with providing reminders to colleagues on specific administrative milestones, such as performance evaluations and timely performance feedback to personnel.
2. Program Support
Assist teams and executive offices in the preparation of budgeted annual plans and reports for their respective programs.
Assist with the follow up and timely update on work results of executive offices under Office of the Minister, including work plans, reports as well as action items assigned to executive offices.
Support with weekly scheduling for the project and the office of the minister to work in an aligned manner.
Being a point of contact for programme personnel and external stakeholders such as the office of the Minister, to gather and liaise with specialist colleagues when needed.
3. Other Duties
Skills
Administrative Assistance, Appointment Scheduling, Communication, Report Writing, Travel Arrangements
Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education Requirements
Required
Desired
Experience Requirements
Required
Desired
Experience working in similar positions preferably in the health sector is desirable.
Competency in computer and software skills, particularly project and task management tools are desirable.
Language Requirements
LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredAmharicFluentRequired
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
For more details about the contract types, please click here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
How To Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through THIS LINK
