Administrative (HR) Assistant (Kabul, Afghanistan) contract

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  5

Hiring Unit : Sector For Administration and Management (ADM)

Duty Station : Kabul

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+4 Time) : 23/03/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

As a specialized United Nations agency, UNESCO has been working in Afghanistan as a long-term strategic partner. UNESCO’s education support to Afghanistan is built around the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (2023-2027) to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), meeting current educational needs while establishing the foundation for the sector’s reconstruction and improvement going forward and aligning with global education priorities outlined in the UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029).

Under the authority of the Head of Office and overall supervision of the Senior Operations Officer, the Administrative (HR) Assistant will be working with Administration Section of UNESCO Kabul Office, and will be responsible to carry out the following functions:

1. Supports hiring managers in the development and review of draft job openings, ensuring that the evaluation criteria and responsibilities are in line with GJP and standard/individual job descriptions. 
2. Assists with the review of applicants to ensure that candidates meet eligibility criteria, including requirements stated in the job openings.
3. Initiates and follows up reference checks, in respect of academic verifications and employment records, ensuring the completion of the pre-recruitment formalities.
4. Initiates and prepares offer of appointment;
5. Assists with the scheduling and coordination of assessment of candidates, including written assessments, competitive recruitment examinations, and Competency-Based Interviews.
6. Maintains up-to-date electronic roster for successful applicants to national category job openings, establishing contacts with candidates to update rosters.

      7. Process monthly payroll for both staff members and SC holders of the UNESCO Kabul Office;

      8. Track and adjust monthly danger pay for the staff and non-staff in both SAP and tracking sheets, and cross-check them with the TULIP and transport team;

      9. Create and maintain FRN for the monthly dangers of the staff members, and process the danger pays alongside the monthly payroll.

      10. Act a certifying officer in SAP up to the authorized amount, based on the UNESCO financial policy;

      11. Conducts exit Interviews for separating staff and assist them with final separation arrangements. 

      12. Prepares and drafts responses to queries concerning HR related matters. 

      13. Participates in the HR Working Group monthly and ad-hoc meetings as an alternative;       

      14. Perform other work-related duties as required.

The Service Contract at level SC-5, with a duration of one year and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

   

  For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related field. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in the field of Human Resource, Administration, operations, …
• At least 5 years  of working experience in international organizations, and a diverse working environment;

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent writing, communication, and organization skills.
• Excellent computer and internet skills
• Excellent teamwork skills, specially in a diversity working environment.
• Knowledge of computer programmes and internet

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge and fluency in English Language.
• Fluency in national languages Dari or Pashto (written and spoken).

EDUCATION

Masters degree in Business Administration with specialization in Human Resource Management.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Working experience with UN agencies in the field of Human Resources.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

LANGUAGES

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.