Administrative Support Officer – Industry and Economy Division

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's foremost intergovernmental authority on environmental matters, driving the global environmental agenda and championing sustainable development across the United Nations system. Based at the Nairobi duty station, this role sits within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, specifically under the Materials and Systems Innovation Unit — a team that harnesses data, science, and knowledge networks to advance sustainable materials management, circular economy principles, and life cycle thinking.

The Administrative Support Officer will serve as the operational backbone for project implementation, ensuring that contracts, budgets, travel logistics, and all related documentation are executed in full compliance with UN rules and regulations. This is a high-responsibility position for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a multilateral environment and is committed to institutional integrity and operational excellence.

• Process and manage financial documents, contracts, and purchase orders in line with UN procurement and financial regulations.
• Operate and maintain records within the UN's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, ensuring data accuracy and audit readiness.
• Coordinate travel logistics for staff and project partners, including visa processing, ticket bookings, and travel claims reconciliation.
• Provide end-to-end administrative support for the organization of large-scale intergovernmental meetings, workshops, and stakeholder convenings.
• Monitor project budgets, flag variances, and prepare expenditure reports and financial summaries for programme officers.
• Liaise with legal and procurement teams to ensure contracts with partners, consultants, and vendors are compliant and properly documented.
• Maintain organized filing systems (digital and physical) for project records, correspondence, and official communications.
• Support onboarding of project partners and consultants by preparing requisite documentation and processing agreements.
• Draft routine correspondence, meeting minutes, and administrative reports as required.
• Serve as a first point of contact for administrative queries from internal and external stakeholders.

• Must demonstrate at least five (5) years of hands-on administrative and financial support experience, ideally within an international or UN system organization.
• Must be able to navigate and execute transactions within an ERP system (e.g., Umoja, SAP, or Oracle) independently and accurately.
• Must have a proven track record of administering financial documents and contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and filing in accordance with institutional standards.
• Must demonstrate experience planning and coordinating large intergovernmental or multi-stakeholder meetings from logistics to documentation.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills for budget tracking and data management.
• Must exhibit strong organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail, particularly when managing multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in English, both written and verbal.
• Experience in finance or accounting functions is a valued asset.
• A first-level university degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline is desirable.

UNEP offers a competitive compensation package benchmarked against the UN Common System pay scales. For this level of role based in Nairobi, the estimated monthly equivalent ranges between KES 200,000 and KES 350,000, inclusive of applicable allowances. UN staff also benefit from a comprehensive package including medical insurance coverage, pension contributions under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, dependency allowances where applicable, and annual leave entitlements. Specific remuneration details will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

This role is ideal for a seasoned administrative professional with a strong background in financial management and contract administration within the UN system or a comparable international organization. You are methodical, proactive, and comfortable navigating complex regulatory frameworks. You work well under pressure, manage competing priorities efficiently, and bring a collaborative spirit to a multicultural team environment.

Please do not apply if you have fewer than five years of relevant administrative experience, have never worked with an ERP system, or lack demonstrated experience organizing large-scale intergovernmental meetings. Candidates without the ability to work on-site in Nairobi will not be considered, as this is not a remote position.

• Visit the official UNEP or UN Careers portal at careers.un.org.
• Search for the job using the posting title or reference number related to this Administrative Support position within the Industry and Economy Division.
• Create or log into your UN Inspira account and complete the online application form in full.
• Upload an updated CV, a completed PHP (Personal History Profile), and any supporting documents requested.
• Ensure all sections of the application are complete before submission — incomplete applications are not reviewed.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment steps.