Assistant Human Resources Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• The mission of UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs more than 18,000 staff members globally. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of international protection and humanitarian assistance, aiming to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR is committed to promoting durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Human Resources Officer will work under the direct supervision of the (Senior) Administrative or Human Resources Officer. This role involves managing HR-related activities within the country operation, including supervising and guiding locally recruited staff responsible for personnel administration and other HR matters. The incumbent will assist in staffing and budget reviews, recruitment, appointment of staff, performance management, and staff welfare issues. The position requires close collaboration with various UNHCR staff-related services, including the Personnel Administration Section, Affiliate Partnerships and Recruitment Section, and others. The Assistant HR Officer is expected to uphold UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while ensuring compliance with the organization's regulatory framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Human Resources Officer include providing input for the annual operations programme review submissions, advising staff on their rights and benefits, assisting in the timely advertising and filling of vacancies, conducting audits of personnel records, briefing newly-arrived international staff, supervising the administration of medical insurance for locally recruited staff, and maintaining liaison with support sections at headquarters. The incumbent will also enforce compliance with UN/UNHCR staff rules and regulations, manage personnel-related payments, and support the identification and management of risks in the HR area. Additional responsibilities include performing other related duties as required, ensuring that HR processes are executed in line with UNHCR policies and operational needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a good knowledge of UNHCR administrative procedures and processes, with essential experience in providing support services in an international organization. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of UN/UNHCR field operational realities, especially in hardship duty stations, and field experience with UNHCR or other humanitarian organizations. A high IT affinity and experience with PeopleSoft/MSRP HR module and financial systems are also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and client orientation skills, along with analytical and organizational abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Administration, or a related field. For candidates with an undergraduate degree, a minimum of one year of relevant experience is required. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate are not required to have prior experience. The educational qualifications are essential for understanding the complexities of HR management within the UN framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in Human Resources, including demonstrated experience in overseeing end-to-end recruitment, talent acquisition, performance management, HR policy implementation, and workforce planning. Proven experience in providing strategic HR guidance to managers and senior leadership is essential, particularly in staffing reviews, budget planning, and organizational design. Candidates should also have a strong background in personnel administration for both national staff and affiliate workforce.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered desirable. For international professional and field service jobs, candidates must have knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Officer position offered under a fixed-term contract for an initial period of one year. Candidates must be nationals of Panama or non-Panamanians who already reside in the country with valid work and residency permits. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request. The position offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and candidates may be required to sit for a written test. The living conditions in Panama City are classified as A duty station (family), with good infrastructure and relatively low security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks. The cost of living is high, particularly for housing and health, but accommodation is available in the private market. Recreational activities are accessible, and knowledge of Spanish is recommended for daily life.