Guest House Assistant

Host entity: WHO

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Communication, advocacy, public information, Facilities management, shelter

Application deadline: 24/08/2026

Mission and objectives

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life.

Who we are
Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.

What we do
WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.

Assignment context

The Guesthouse Manager Assistant under the direct supervision of the Administrative Assistant and Overall Guidance of the Senior Operations Officer. S/he receives technical guidance equally from the coordinator. The incumbent is expected to work independently but can escalate complex issues and
cases to the supervisor.

The functions ensure that Guesthouse Assistant is carried out in a timely, periodic, and orderly fashion. Through the activities in reaction to Guesthouses can be better monitored, coordinated, or replicated in the future if required. Furthermore, the functions contribute to the efficient implementation of responsibilities mentioned above in the designated area.

Additional Information:

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Sudan are entitled to:
- Monthly Volunteer Living allowance (VLA) at amount of 1597.24 USD.
- danger and Hardship Differential DHD: 479.17USD.
- Annual and learning leaves.
- Free Medical and life insurance.
- Free access to different learning platforms.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Administrative Assistant and guidance of the Senior Operations Officer, the Guesthouse Assistant will work closely with the management team and staff to ensure efficient operations and high guest satisfaction:
* Manage guest bookings, reservations, and inquiries through various channels (phone, email, online platforms).
* Monitor room occupancy, optimize revenue by managing room and implement strategies to maximize occupancy.
* Collaborate with the housekeeping team to coordinate room cleaning and prepare rooms for guest arrivals.
* Maintain accurate records of guest information, payments, and preferences
* Conduct regular inspections of guesthouse facilities to identify maintenance needs and ensure they are properly addressed.
* Maintain records of maintenance activities, including repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance schedules.
* Supervise and coordinate housekeeping activities, including room cleaning, laundry services, and inventory management of supplies
* Collaborate with the guesthouse management team to identify and implement process improvements and operational efficiencies
* Oversee all service requests for the unit, distributing the work between supervisees in coordination with the supervisor.
* Monitor regularly that all contracted service providers comply with the established terms of reference and recommend corrective actions to ensure full client satisfaction.
* Support the Administrative Assistant in managing the purchasing of a large range of items and
* Services required to maintain the buildings.
* Prepare and support organizing all events and receptions at the Country Office premises, liaising with the requesting units to ensure all needs are looked after.
* Supervise outsourced staff in the building management organize regularly their work plans and request additional temporary resources when needed.
* When required, prepare requisitions, ensure that purchase orders are issued and create receipts
* When goods and services are delivered.
* Monitor the performance of service providers to ensure quality and compliance with agreements.
* Perform any other additional tasks that may be assigned.

Skills and experience

* Direct experience in similar area of work is highly desirable.
* Knowledge of WHO mandate and goals or experience in UN Organizations, international Institutions or NGOs is considered an asset.
* Computer skills (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).
* Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment.
* Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
* Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Competencies and values

* Communicating in a credible and effective manner.
* Fostering integration and teamwork.
* Producing results.
* Knowing and managing yourself.

Living conditions

Port Sudan is a Category E hardship duty station and non-family duty station. The Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle for the Port Sudan duty station is 4 weeks. Movement of international staffis restricted and takes place in UN vehicles. Working for the UN in Sudan provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. As this is an international UN Volunteer specialist assignment, the HE will be responsible for arranging volunteer housing. International UN Volunteers receive a volunteer living allowance to sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. This allowance varies from one location to another depending on local living costs, but all International UN Volunteers specialists in the same location receive the same allowance. Below is a summary of the Conditions of Service. Allowances The purpose of allowances for international UN Volunteers specialists is to enable the international UN Volunteers to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for volunteer work.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.