Talent Development & Inclusion Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to create integrated solutions that address the interconnected challenges of poverty, inequality, and climate change. The organization is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture, and encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. UNDP emphasizes a culture of respect, integrity, and accountability, and does not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Talent Development & Inclusion Associate plays a crucial role in the Human Resources (HR) unit of the UNDP Country Office (CO) in Nairobi. This position is responsible for executing transparent and efficient HR services, promoting a collaborative and client-oriented approach, and maintaining high staff morale. The Associate will work closely with various teams within the CO, including Programme, Operations, and project teams, as well as with UNDP HQ OHR Business Partners and other UN Agencies. The role involves ensuring compliance with HR strategies and policies, supporting recruitment processes, and facilitating talent development and inclusion initiatives. The Associate will also be involved in creating awareness around issues such as sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEAH) and will support the implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies within the office. This position requires a proactive approach to managing HR-related challenges and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Talent Development & Inclusion Associate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Administering and implementing HR strategies and policies to ensure compliance with UN rules and regulations.
• Supporting the mapping of CO HR business processes and updating internal HR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Providing information to management and personnel regarding HR policies and corporate strategies.
• Collecting information for UNDP’s participation in inter-agency exercises and managing risks associated with HR activities.
• Supporting the PSEAH Committee in raising awareness about rights and reporting mechanisms related to sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Implementing recruitment processes, including drafting job descriptions, screening candidates, and participating in interview panels.
• Maintaining local rosters relevant to Diversity & Inclusion and validating cost-recovery charges for HR services provided to other Agencies.
• Ensuring proper staff performance management and talent development, including organizing training sessions and creating onboarding plans.
• Analyzing workforce data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in diversity and inclusion. 1
• Acting as a resource for employees on D&I issues and fostering an inclusive work environment. 1
• Collaborating with hiring units to attract and retain diverse talent through inclusive hiring practices. 1
• Performing other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a secondary education with specialized certification in HR or a university degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. While a degree is preferred, it is not mandatory. Candidates must possess a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible HR and/or administrative experience at the national or international level if they hold a high school diploma, or a minimum of 3 years of experience if they have a bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in the use of computers and office software packages (such as MS Word and Excel) is essential, along with advanced knowledge of web-based management systems like ERP. Experience in managing learning and development functions, recruitment procedures, and diversity and inclusion practices in national or international organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience in preparing and presenting reports and overviews, as well as knowledge of project management processes and monitoring and evaluation tools.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have secondary education with specialized certification in HR. A university degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or an equivalent field will be considered an asset, although it is not a strict requirement for the position. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in HR principles and practices, as well as an understanding of organizational dynamics and human resource management strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in human resources and administrative functions. Candidates must have at least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in HR and/or administrative roles if they possess a high school diploma, or a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience if they hold a bachelor’s degree. This experience should ideally be gained in a national or international context, demonstrating a strong understanding of HR processes, talent development, and inclusion practices. Candidates should also have experience in managing recruitment processes and familiarity with diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNDP. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the local context or UN languages, would be considered an asset and could enhance the candidate's profile. Proficiency in languages that facilitate communication with diverse communities and stakeholders is encouraged, as it aligns with UNDP's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role within the UNDP Country Office in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to the mission and benefit from career opportunities. The organization reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of ethical recruitment practices.