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Team Assistant – Commercial Operations Unit

United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Nairobifull time~KES 100k – 180k/mo1d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Process administrative documentation for UN Commissary, Fuel Station, and Wellness Centre services—managing access applications, inspecting deliveries, handling client inquiries, and maintaining filing systems.

You Need

Strong administrative and document management skills, experience with supply chain or inventory inspection, and proficiency with digital systems and databases.

You Get

Stable employment with a reputable international organization, exposure to multicultural UN operations, competitive salary, and a structured pathway in the UN system.

Job Description

Role Overview

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is seeking motivated and detail-oriented Team Assistants to join the Facilities Management and Transport Section (FMTS) under the Commercial Operations Unit (COU) at the UN Gigiri compound. UNON serves as the United Nations headquarters in Africa and provides critical administrative, conference, and information services to UNEP, UN-Habitat, the Resident Coordinator System, and other UN entities operating in Kenya and globally.

Reporting to the Senior Administrative Assistant, successful candidates will support the day-to-day operations of the Commissary, Fuel Station, Wellness Centre, and broader COU administration. This is an excellent opportunity for highly organized professionals who thrive in a structured, multicultural international environment and take pride in service delivery excellence.

Key Responsibilities
  • Receive, review, and process new and renewal applications for access to the UN Commissary, ensuring full compliance with host country agreements and governing regulations.
  • Inspect incoming containers at the Commissary, verifying goods against approved category lists and confirming no tampering has occurred using a structured checklist.
  • Process Commissary access for UN Gigiri conference delegates as operationally required.
  • Receive and review applications for fuel RFID tags, process paperwork and fuel applications through the Fuel Integrated Management System (FIMS), and maintain accurate filing of all related documents.
  • Handle customer queries and complaints via email, telephone, and written correspondence in a timely and professional manner, escalating sensitive issues to the supervisor as appropriate.
  • Receive and inspect fuel deliveries alongside the Fuel Station Manager, verify container seals and dip readings, sign off on delivery notes, and forward documents to the COU Finance Assistant for processing.
  • Report suspected fuel contamination or irregularities promptly to the supervisor.
  • Respond to Wellness Centre client queries or direct complex requests to appropriate WC staff members.
  • Maintain an efficient and up-to-date filing system for all COU activities, ensuring documents are filed daily.
  • Respond to client inquiries via email and phone, providing accurate information on how to participate in or apply for COU services.
  • Manage incoming and outgoing mail and coordinate the distribution of unit documents.
  • Order and track office consumables and supplies for the COU.
  • Maintain the unit's leave records and support general HR administrative functions.
  • Perform weekly operational checks and reporting tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage and process high volumes of administrative documentation accurately and within stipulated deadlines.
  • Apply knowledge of supply chain or inventory management principles when inspecting and recording incoming goods and fuel deliveries.
  • Use digital systems and databases (such as an integrated fuel management system) to log, track, and retrieve operational records.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with a diverse, multinational client base through written correspondence, email, and telephone interactions.
  • Identify irregularities or non-compliance in goods, fuel, or documentation and escalate issues through the correct channels without delay.
  • Maintain organized, audit-ready filing systems for administrative and operational records.
  • Demonstrate a service-oriented approach when handling customer inquiries and resolving complaints with minimal supervision.
  • Coordinate multiple concurrent tasks across different operational units (Commissary, Fuel Station, Wellness Centre, Administration) while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
  • Show proficiency in standard MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort with learning new systems.
  • A minimum of a Diploma in Business Administration, Records Management, Logistics, or a related field is required; a Bachelor's degree is an advantage.
  • At least two to three years of relevant administrative, logistics, or customer service experience, preferably within an international organization or large institutional setting.
Salary & Benefits

UNON offers competitive compensation aligned with the United Nations Common System pay scales. While the exact salary band for this position has not been publicly disclosed, Team Assistant roles at the UN in Nairobi typically attract a monthly package in the range of KES 100,000 – 180,000 gross, inclusive of applicable allowances. UN staff members also benefit from a comprehensive package that typically includes medical and dental insurance, a pension scheme, generous leave entitlements, and access to professional development opportunities within the UN system.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for a proactive, service-minded professional with strong administrative foundations and a keen eye for detail. You are comfortable working in a fast-paced, regulated environment where accuracy and compliance are non-negotiable. You take initiative, respect confidentiality, and communicate with tact across diverse cultural contexts. Prior experience working with or within a UN agency, embassy, or large international institution will be a strong advantage.

This role is not suitable for candidates seeking creative or field-based work, those with no prior administrative or customer-facing experience, or individuals who are uncomfortable with repetitive compliance-driven documentation tasks. If you require significant autonomy or a managerial scope, this entry-to-junior level position may not align with your career stage.

How to Apply
  • Visit the UNON/UN Careers portal at www.unon.org or the official UN Inspira recruitment platform at careers.un.org.
  • Search for the Team Assistant vacancy under the Commercial Operations Unit / FMTS.
  • Create or log in to your UN Inspira profile and complete the online application form in full.
  • Upload your updated CV, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents.
  • Submit your application before the closing deadline of 18 June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment stages.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • Ability to manage high volumes of administrative documentation accurately and within deadlines
  • Knowledge of supply chain or inventory management principles
  • Proficiency with digital systems, databases, and Microsoft Office suite
  • Excellent customer service and written/verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and ability to follow compliance and regulatory requirements

Nice to Have

  • Experience with fuel management systems or commissary operations
  • Knowledge of UN host country agreements and international administrative procedures
  • Bilingual capability (English and French or Swahili)
  • Prior experience in a multinational or international organization

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Salary Context

Competitive mid-level salary for Team Assistant role in Nairobi's international organization sector

At KES 100,000–180,000 per month, this salary sits above typical private-sector Team Assistant roles in Nairobi, reflecting the stability and benefits of UN employment. Variation within the range typically depends on experience, qualifications, and internal UN grade classification.

About United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

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The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the primary UN hub for Africa, serving as headquarters for UNEP (UN Environment Programme) and UN-Habitat while supporting the Resident Coordinator System and dozens of other UN agencies across the continent. With operations spanning administration, conference services, and critical support functions, UNON is a prestigious multinational employer offering exposure to global operations and international best practices. Working at UNON provides career stability, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful development and environmental work across Africa.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Tell us about your experience managing high-volume administrative processes. How did you ensure accuracy and meet tight deadlines?

  • 2

    Describe a time when you had to inspect or verify incoming goods or supplies. What checklist or system did you use, and how did you handle discrepancies?

  • 3

    How have you handled a difficult customer complaint or query? Walk us through your approach and the outcome.

  • 4

    The Commercial Operations Unit manages four distinct service areas: Commissary, Fuel Station, Wellness Centre, and general COU administration. How would you prioritize your time across these areas if multiple urgent requests came in simultaneously?

  • 5

    What experience do you have with digital filing systems, inventory management software, or databases? Can you give us an example of how you've used these tools to improve efficiency?

Application Tips

  • Emphasize any experience with supply chain, inventory inspection, or warehouse management—the role involves verifying goods against checklists and inspecting fuel deliveries, so concrete examples matter.

  • Highlight your proficiency with digital systems and databases (mention specific names if relevant: Excel, SAP, inventory management software) and your ability to maintain organized filing systems at scale.

  • If you have prior experience in a multicultural, regulated, or compliance-heavy environment (international NGO, government agency, or corporate supply chain), make this prominent—UN work requires familiarity with formal procedures and documentation.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Administrative Assistant in supply chain, logistics, or operations
Commissary or Fuel Station Attendant
Junior Administrative Officer in NGO or government ministry
Office Administrator or Secretary in a corporate or international organization

Where this leads

Senior Administrative Assistant (as indicated in the role hierarchy)
Operations Officer or Facility Operations Supervisor
Supply Chain or Procurement Officer in the UN system
Human Resources or Finance Administrator within UNON

Skills & Keywords

team assistant nairobiun jobs kenyaunon careersadministrative assistant uncommissary officerngo administration jobsun nairobi gigirientry level un jobs

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Employer reputation: UNON is a prestigious, stable international organization with strong governance and HR practices.
  • Competitive salary: KES 100,000–180,000/month is above typical Nairobi Team Assistant market rates, reflecting UN standard pay scales.
  • Clear role scope: Responsibilities are detailed and specific, making expectations transparent from the outset.
  • Multicultural environment: The role explicitly positions itself within a structured international setting, appealing to candidates seeking global exposure and professional development.

Watch Out

  • The job description is incomplete—it cuts off mid-sentence under 'Required Skills & Experience,' making it difficult to fully assess all expectations or desired qualifications.
  • No explicit mention of contract duration (fixed-term, renewable, permanent) or probation period, which is important for UN roles.
  • Limited detail on progression, professional development opportunities, or benefits beyond salary, which are typical attractions of UN employment.

A Day in the Life

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Your week at UNON typically begins with processing new Commissary access applications and fuel RFID tag requests—reviewing documentation, cross-referencing compliance checklists, and updating the Fuel Integrated Management System. Mid-week, you might conduct an inspection of incoming containers alongside the Fuel Station Manager, verifying seals and dip readings before signing off delivery notes. Throughout the week, you handle a steady flow of client emails and phone inquiries from UN staff and delegates, ranging from Commissary access questions to Wellness Centre appointment routing, while maintaining daily filing updates and weekly operational reports. You'll coordinate mail distribution, track office supply orders, and escalate any irregularities (suspected fuel contamination, compliance issues) to your supervisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Team Assistant – Commercial Operations Unit at UNON?

You need strong administrative and document management skills, experience with supply chain or inventory inspection, and proficiency with digital systems and databases. A secondary education level is typically the minimum; relevant certification in supply chain management or administrative work is beneficial but not always required.

Is the Team Assistant – Commercial Operations Unit role at UNON remote?

No, this is a full-time on-site role based at the UN Gigiri compound in Nairobi. The position requires daily physical presence to receive deliveries, inspect goods, process access applications, and manage client interactions in person.

How much does a Team Assistant – Commercial Operations Unit earn at UNON?

The posted salary range is KES 100,000–180,000 per month, depending on experience and internal UN grade classification. This is competitive for similar roles in Nairobi and includes the stability and benefits typical of UN employment.

What are the career growth opportunities for this role?

Team Assistants at UNON typically progress to Senior Administrative Assistant roles within the same unit, and may transition into operations management, supply chain officer, or human resources positions elsewhere in the UN system, leveraging their administrative foundation and knowledge of UN procedures.

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