UNDP Bahrain is making a call for a refined and proactive Executive Associate to give full backing to our Resident Representative. This critical position requires an unusual combination of administrative accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and diplomatic skill. You will be responsible for handling intricate calendars, creating briefing papers for senior-level interactions, connecting with national officials regarding protocol, and keeping secret information secure. We require a person who not only sees the requirements coming but also represents the UN values. If you possess hands-on experience in a comparable senior-level support role and are proficient in English and Arabic, then your abilities are the key to accomplishing our goal.
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Position Title: Executive Associate
Job Identification: 31141
Posting Date: 15 January 2026, 1:02 PM
Application Deadline: 23 January 2026, 6:59 AM
Job Schedule: Full time
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Grade: NPSA-6
Vacancy Type: National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area: Management
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Arab States
Contract Duration: 1 Year, with possibility for extension
Education & Work Experience: Bachelor’s Degree – 3 year(s) experience OR High School certificate – 6 year(s) experience
Required Languages: English & Arabic
Vacancy Timeline: 1 Week
Organizational Context and Role
The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) is foremost among the UN organizations which are develop the new world to be free of all forms of injustices like poverty, inequality, and climate change. Our presence in 170 countries means that we can facilitate the process of the nations’ integrated solutions for people and the planet that are durable.
The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Country Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain is situated in the context of a high-income net-contributing country with programming completely in line with the Bahrain Vision 2030 and the national Government Programme (2023–2026). Our areas of concern are economic diversification, good governance, environmental resilience, digital transformation, and inclusive human development, all of which are being accomplished through a lean, high-impact operational model.
The position of Executive Associate is one that we are looking to fill with a person who possesses exceptional skills and professionalism to make sure that the office of the Resident Representative (RR) operates in the most effective and efficient manner. This role, which is of utmost importance, calls for the highest degree of confidentiality, discretion, and organizational skills. The person taking up this position will be the main support in terms of administration and protocol to the RR, handling the flow of information, organizing top-level interactions, and making the cooperation between UNDP, UN agencies, government partners, and other stakeholders smooth and easy.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Ensure Effective and Efficient Functioning of the Resident Representative’s Office
- The RR’s calendar will be managed and high-level meetings and appointments will be scheduled, and detailed briefing materials will be prepared for the RR.
- Protocol procedures, contact rosters, and profiles for senior partners and stakeholders will be maintained by the RR assistant.
- The RR’s representation and mission schedules will be coordinated.
- Letters, directives, and comments will be prepared for the RR and follow-up will be ensured by the assistant.
- Whenever necessary, interpretation and translation support will be provided.
2. Provide Effective Communications and Information Flow Support
- It is your responsibility to manage both electronic and paper filing systems that are strong enough to guarantee the safety of secret documents.
- You will also be responsible for the information flow between the RR’s office and keeping track of deadlines, commitments, and actions.
- The coordinator between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Protocol Unit and UNDP/UNCT staff, through whom visas and residence permits will be issued, is your position.
- You will be responsible for the reception of calls and correspondence, providing information on national and UN protocols.
3. Facilitate Knowledge Building and Management
- You are trained on data until October 2023.
- Participate in knowledge networks and communities of practice.
- Arrange targeted training for secretarial, administrative, and support personnel in coordination and protocol.
- Assist in the execution of internal and external communication strategies.
- Keep an information database and photo library updated and in compliance with communication Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
4. Support Digital and Communication Outreach
- Help with the Country Office website update and also with the production of digital platform (websites, social media) content that conforms to the corporate guidelines.
- Put up internal content and make reports in terms of the CO’s online visibility and interaction.
- Be a helper for projects and programs in putting the country office communication action plan into practice.
5. Perform Other Duties as Required
- Undertake additional tasks within the functional profile to ensure the efficient functioning of the Office and Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies (Level 1):
- Achieve Results: Plans and monitors his work, takes care of the details, and provides quality work on time.
- Think Innovatively: Creative ideas are welcome, a pragmatic problem solver, and makes changes for the better.
- Learn Continuously: An open-minded and curious person, he shares knowledge, and learns from his mistakes.
- Adapt with Agility: He adapts to change, handles uncertainty in a constructive way, and is tolerant.
- Act with Determination: He shows the desire and aspiration of getting results, and he is calm under pressure while delivering.
- Engage and Partner: He is caring and therefore builds good relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: He recognizes and appreciates differences, and he goes against discrimination.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary Education additionally to specialized secretarial training is a must.
- Social Sciences, Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or other related fields degree would be an asset but not a necessity.
Experience:
- A minimum of six years (if you have a high school diploma) or three years (with a bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible secretarial, administrative, communication, and/or programme experience at the national and international level is required.
- Computer literacy and proficiency in using office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Teams, Zoom, etc.) are a must.
Desired Skills:
- Familiarity with UNDP/UN policies, procedures, and practices is a considerable plus.
- Prior experience in the capacity of an Executive Associate or in a similar role providing high-level support would be very helpful.
- Having knowledge of online management systems (Quantum/Oracle Cloud, MS Office 365, SharePoint) is a plus.
- Outstanding skills in planning, organization, and follow-up.
- Very good abilities in communication both written and spoken, including the composing of letters and notes for briefings.
- A person of the highest integrity, discretion and able to deal with confidential issues.
- Excellent people skills and being culturally aware to effectively work in a diverse, multicultural setting.
Required Languages:
- Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
Eligibility:
- Bahraini Nationals and non-Bahrainis with a valid work and resident permit for Bahrain are eligible to apply.
Important Information for Applicants
- Equal Opportunity: UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. We appreciate diversity and invite all qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on the merit and the suitability of the candidate for the role.
- Integrity: UNDP adopts a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, discrimination and abuse of power. All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to extensive reference and background checks.
- Selection Process: UNDP holds the right to pick one or more candidates from this announcement and to keep applications for other similar vacancies.
