HR Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's mission is to promote the health and rights of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on these populations. With a diverse workforce, UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The HR Assistant position is a vital role within the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (EECARO) located in Istanbul. This position is integral to the regional HR team, providing essential support to 16 country offices as well as regional and sub-regional hubs. The HR Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the HR Analyst, Client Services and Outreach Branch (CSOB), and will be responsible for bridging traditional HR administrative functions with a modern, data-centric approach to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making. The incumbent will play a key role in managing HR records, supporting daily administrative tasks, and contributing to data analysis and process optimization projects. This position is designed for individuals who are committed to improving HR processes and leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions, ultimately supporting the organization's mission to enhance business efficiency and foster collaboration across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HR Assistant will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• HR Administration and Process Improvement: Managing and maintaining digital HR records with a focus on accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with UNFPA policies. Contributing to regional pilots aimed at HR reporting, process analysis, and optimization projects, utilizing modern project management tools and data analytics to enhance efficiency.
• Data Analysis and Dashboard Development: Building data dashboards and conducting internal UNFPA data analysis related to HR and operational processes, such as workforce capacity, contract management, and recruitment metrics. Providing actionable insights to align staffing needs with evolving program requirements.
• Support for Talent Acquisition: Participating in outreach and selection activities, supporting various stages of the recruitment and onboarding process for personnel categories within the EECA clusters. Analyzing the time and cost of selection processes to identify and address bottlenecks.
• Administrative Support: Providing general administrative support to the Human Resources Business Partner team, including SEA clear check, preparing templates, and knowledge recording to ensure smooth unit functioning.
• Wellbeing and Diversity Monitoring: Supporting the development of analytical tools and reports to monitor key metrics related to burnout, wellbeing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the clusters. Acting as a backup for HR administrative functions as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Education: Completed secondary level education (high school or equivalent) is required. A university degree (first level) in Statistics, Behavioral Analytics, Information and Technology, Project Management, or a related field is desirable.
• Knowledge and Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in human resources, operations, or data analytics, preferably within an international development organization setting. Two (2) years of experience with a first level university degree is accepted in lieu of experience. Demonstrated experience in HR administration, including records management and administrative support. Proven ability to perform process mapping, analysis, and optimization. Strong knowledge of data analysis, data visualization, and the use of tools such as PowerBI. Clear interest and some experience in business analytics. Excellent analytical and writing skills. Sound judgment and ability to work harmoniously with staff from diverse backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary level education (high school or equivalent) as a minimum requirement. A university degree (first level) in relevant fields such as Statistics, Behavioral Analytics, Information and Technology, Project Management, or a related field is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in human resources, operations, or data analytics. This experience should preferably be within an international development organization setting. For candidates with a first level university degree, two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the full five years. The experience should include demonstrated capabilities in HR administration, records management, and administrative support, as well as process mapping, analysis, and optimization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
The HR Assistant position is based in Istanbul and is part of the UNFPA's commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. UNFPA encourages women to apply and actively seeks individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. The work environment at UNFPA reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance.