Chief, Talent Acquisition and Management Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) was established to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's development efforts. It operates under the auspices of the United Nations Secretariat and is responsible for coordinating the UN's development activities globally. The office aims to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that the UN's development system is fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of member states. The DCO has undergone significant transformations to align with the UN's strategic priorities and to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration across its various branches and partners. The organization emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and the integration of behavioral science into its operations, reflecting its commitment to modernizing its approach to development coordination. The DCO employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, working closely with various UN agencies and stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Chief, Talent Acquisition and Management Section will play a pivotal role in shaping the talent landscape within the UN's Resident Coordinator (RC) system. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to attract and retain a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates for leadership roles within the RC track. The incumbent will engage with various stakeholders, including HR counterparts across the UN system, to promote the RC career track and ensure alignment with the UN's values and objectives. The role involves managing the RC/HC Talent Pipeline, overseeing the selection cycle, and providing career counseling to candidates. Additionally, the Chief will lead the design and implementation of assessment tools to evaluate leadership potential and ensure that the talent management strategies are aligned with the UN's evolving needs. The position requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to foster collaboration across different entities within the UN system.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a sourcing and outreach strategy to attract diverse candidates for the RC track, focusing on gender balance and geographical diversity.
• Build and maintain inter-agency engagement with HR and leadership development counterparts to promote the RC career track.
• Engage with external stakeholders to broaden candidate pools and increase awareness of the RC track.
• Design processes to identify and cultivate diverse pipelines of candidates for leadership roles in RCOs and DCO.
• Lead the design and implementation of an HR talent management strategy, including leadership assessment and succession planning.
• Manage the RC/HC Talent Pipeline in collaboration with OCHA and UNSDG partners, ensuring continuous improvements.
• Plan and manage the annual pipeline selection cycle, ensuring transparency and adherence to established procedures.
• Provide career counseling and advisory support to pipeline members and prospective candidates.
• Lead the design and quality assurance of the RC/HC Talent Pipeline entrance assessment. 1
• Coordinate the RCAC cycle, ensuring effective management of vendor deliverables and timelines. 1
• Contribute to workforce planning and forecasting by analyzing pipeline data and translating findings into actionable recommendations. 1
• Maintain accurate records in corporate systems and prepare high-quality briefings and reports for senior leadership. 1
• Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Talent Management Team and ensure alignment with branch priorities. 1
• Provide policy guidance on strategy development and implementation related to RC leadership. 1
• Champion a culture of agility, collaboration, and innovation within the RC System.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of human resources policies and practices, particularly in the areas of strategic human resources management and talent management. The ability to analyze complex human resources issues and formulate effective solutions is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the promotion of diversity within the workplace. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders are critical for success in this role. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources management, business or public administration, social sciences, education, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic human resources management, including talent management and career development, is required. Experience in building senior leadership pipelines and working with senior UN leaders or comparable organizations is desirable. Familiarity with the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is also preferred, along with experience in facilitating inter-agency collaboration.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment processes and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted.