Senior Human Resources Assistant

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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to provide durable solutions for those who are displaced.

Job Overview:
The Senior Human Resources Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Administrative or Human Resources Officer. This role involves assisting in various personnel administration tasks and HR-related matters, including recruitment and appointment processes, performance management, and addressing welfare issues for staff within the area of responsibility (AOR). The position requires adherence to UNHCR's regulatory framework, including the UN Charter and Staff Regulations, while embodying the organization's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The candidate will be expected to manage sensitive information with discretion and maintain a high level of organization and prioritization in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Human Resources Assistant include assisting in the recruitment, assignment, reassignment, and separation of local service staff. This involves preparing documents for interview panels, processing contracts, entitlements, and benefits in accordance with established HR procedures. The assistant will update personnel information in the MSRP/HR module, advise staff on their rights and obligations, and assist newly-arrived international staff with administrative formalities. Additional responsibilities include administering the UNHCR medical insurance plan, maintaining personnel records, initiating calculations for payments related to personnel issues, and performing other related duties as required. The role also involves supporting the identification and management of risks and ensuring decision-making is informed by risk assessments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a good knowledge of UNHCR administrative procedures and processes, with relevant experience in providing support services within an international organization. Essential qualifications include a high school diploma with two years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree with one year of relevant work experience. Desirable qualifications include field experience with UNHCR or other humanitarian organizations, as well as a high IT affinity and experience with PeopleSoft/MSRP.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent for candidates with two years of relevant experience. For those with a bachelor's degree or higher, one year of relevant work experience is sufficient. No specific field of education is mandated, but certifications in secretarial or administrative roles are considered beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience for candidates with a high school diploma, or one year of relevant experience for those with a bachelor's degree or higher. Experience in administrative roles within international organizations, particularly in HR functions, is highly valued. Familiarity with UNHCR's operational context and administrative procedures is essential.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, proficiency in English and/or the UN working language is required. Local language proficiency is also advantageous, particularly for candidates applying for national professional roles.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 grade level and is temporary, with a target start date of September 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is family-type, indicating that it may accommodate family members of the staff. UNHCR maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse, and all staff members are expected to contribute to a safe working environment. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview.