UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, continues to be a global force for positive change, working in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them achieve their full potential.
For professionals seeking a meaningful administrative career within an international organization, UNICEF has announced an exciting opportunity for an Executive Assistant (GS5), Fixed Term, based in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. This role offers not only professional growth but also the chance to contribute directly to advancing the rights and wellbeing of children.
About UNICEF and Its Mission
At the heart of UNICEF’s work is a powerful commitment: For every child, the right to a future. This guiding principle shapes everything the organization does, from policy advocacy to on-the-ground implementation of life-saving and life-changing programmes. UNICEF offers staff purposeful work, opportunities for career development, a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and a competitive compensation and benefits package.
UNICEF Turkmenistan has been operating since 1994, partnering closely with the Government of Turkmenistan to promote and protect children’s rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The upcoming Country Programme for 2026–2030 focuses on key priorities, including equitable access to health, nutrition, and early childhood development services; child protection from violence and socio-economic vulnerabilities; inclusive education; and climate mitigation and adaptation. Within this dynamic context, the Executive Assistant role plays a vital enabling function.
The Role: Executive Assistant, GS5
The Executive Assistant position is a cornerstone administrative role that supports UNICEF’s leadership and ensures smooth, efficient office operations. Based in Ashgabat, the successful candidate will work closely with the UNICEF Representative and senior management, contributing to effective coordination with government counterparts and partners.
One of the most significant aspects of the role is serving as the primary liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including managing Note Verbales and official correspondence. This responsibility places the Executive Assistant at the center of high-level communication between UNICEF and national authorities, requiring professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Impact
As an Executive Assistant, you will be entrusted with a broad range of responsibilities that directly support UNICEF’s mission:
- High-level administrative support to the Representative, including managing schedules, correspondence, and workflows.
- Communications support, such as drafting, reviewing, and coordinating official documents and letters.
- Secretariat functions for key internal meetings, including the Country Management Team, ensuring accurate records and timely follow-up on decisions.
- Coordination of high-level visits and engagements, handling logistics and arrangements with precision.
- Networking and relationship management, fostering productive interactions with government institutions and key partners.
Through these tasks, the Executive Assistant ensures that UNICEF’s leadership can focus on strategic priorities while operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Also Read:UNICEF Internship Opportunity 2026: Apply Now
Qualifications and Experience
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific educational and professional requirements. Completion of secondary education is mandatory, preferably supplemented by technical or university-level coursework relevant to administration or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant administrative or clerical experience is required. Notably, higher education can substitute for part of the experience requirement: a bachelor’s degree may replace three years of experience, while a master’s degree can replace an additional two years.
UNICEF values strong organizational and planning skills, the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, and a high level of confidentiality and judgment. The role also demands cultural sensitivity, patience in dealing with visitors, and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment, including providing guidance to junior staff when needed.
Language and Desirable Experience
Fluency in English is essential for this role, along with fluency in either Turkmen or Russian. Candidates who are fluent in all three languages are strongly preferred, reflecting the multilingual environment in which UNICEF operates.
Desirable experience includes prior work at the country level, particularly in development, humanitarian, or fragile contexts. Such experience can be an asset in navigating complex operational environments and supporting UNICEF’s broad mandate.
Values, Competencies, and Inclusive Culture
UNICEF staff are expected to embody the organization’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). In addition, this position requires competencies such as building partnerships, ethical awareness, results-driven performance, adaptability, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration.
UNICEF is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability status, or background. The organization provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and offers family-friendly policies, including parental leave and support for staff with disabilities.
Important Notes and Application Timeline
The position is a Fixed Term Appointment at the G-5 level, based in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The vacancy was advertised on 31 December 2025, and the application deadline is 11 January 2026 (West Asia Standard Time). As with all UNICEF roles, selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and must meet medical and vaccination requirements.
UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment and will never request bank account information from applicants.
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Take the Next Step
If you are an experienced administrative professional seeking a meaningful role within an international organization, this Executive Assistant position with UNICEF Turkmenistan offers a unique opportunity to combine professional excellence with social impact. By supporting leadership and strengthening operations, you will help ensure that UNICEF can continue delivering results for children and families across the country.
