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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to helping those forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. The organization focuses on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to achieve its goals.

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 accountable for performing duties in accordance with UNHCR's regulatory framework, including the UN Charter and relevant policies, while upholding the organization's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

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, clear contract issuance and extensions, process payments related to personnel issues, and support risk management in HR functions. Additionally, the Assistant HR Officer will perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a good knowledge of UNHCR administrative procedures and processes, with exposure to support services in an international organization. Essential qualifications include a strong understanding of HR practices, particularly in recruitment, talent acquisition, performance management, and HR policy implementation. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of UN/UNHCR field operational realities, especially in hardship duty stations, and experience with PeopleSoft/MSRP HR module. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain confidentiality.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management, Law, Administration, or a related field. A graduate degree or doctorate may substitute for experience, with no experience required for those holding advanced degrees. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, is also necessary for this role.

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, and HR policy implementation. Candidates should have proven experience in providing strategic HR guidance to managers and senior leadership, particularly in staffing reviews, budget planning, and organizational design. A strong background in personnel administration for both national staff and affiliate workforce is essential, along with the ability to lead and coordinate HR processes with professionalism and sound judgment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, with a working knowledge of French considered desirable. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at least at the B2 level in the required languages, ensuring effective communication within the diverse operational context of UNHCR.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Officer position offered under a fixed-term contract for an initial period of 1 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 reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided. A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, and candidates may be required to sit for a written test. The living conditions in Panama City are classified as A duty station, with good infrastructure and relatively low security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, making it a favorable location for expatriates.