HR Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is a significant entity within the United Nations system, established to leverage diverse expertise to assist partners in delivering impactful results worldwide. With operational hubs located in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that focus on sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding, particularly in challenging environments. The organization operates in over 130 countries, collaborating closely with major global partners, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies, to provide a wide range of services such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support. UNOPS is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that its operations align with the strategic priorities of the UN.

Job Overview:
The HR Specialist position is pivotal in driving smooth HR operations within the organization by providing reliable support, guidance, and services to teams and partners. The role involves overseeing the consistent application of UNOPS HR policies, rules, and procedures across various countries and geographic areas of operation. The HR Specialist will manage key HR service lines, including recruitment, contract administration, and policy interpretation, while ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations. This position requires a proactive approach to addressing complex HR issues and delivering value-added support to management on personnel-related matters. The HR Specialist will also be responsible for leading HR projects and initiatives that align with corporate HR strategy and support organizational goals, thereby enhancing the overall HR experience for personnel and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Policy Development and Implementation Support: Contribute to HR policy development and corporate initiatives by providing data-driven insights on workforce trends, risks, and opportunities. Maintain a strong understanding of the Office’s financial and operational priorities, leading the implementation of corporate HR strategies and initiatives. Design and lead HR projects that align with corporate HR strategy and support organizational goals. Communicate changes in HR policies and new initiatives to management and personnel, offering guidance and support as needed.
• HR Advice: Provide strategic guidance on HR policies in people management, proactively assessing HR needs to deliver consultative support to management. Design and deliver HR services and programs that enhance the experience of personnel and partners. Collaborate with corporate HR teams to mediate on sensitive issues, including grievances and workplace disputes.
• Talent Acquisition and Management: Oversee the implementation of talent acquisition policies, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. Coordinate the administration of various contractual modalities and collaborate with corporate HR teams on personnel realignment exercises.
• Team Management: Supervise the Office’s HR team to ensure effective delivery of HR services across assigned countries.
• Knowledge Building and Sharing: Facilitate training sessions on HR topics and participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives, contributing insights from HR project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in Human Resource Management (HRM) is desired but not mandatory. Relevant experience should include work in recruitment, HR contract administration, employee relations, organization design and development, or related areas. Familiarity with collaboration and productivity tools, such as MS Office and G-Suite, is required. Experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations is preferred, along with experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, which must be complemented by significant relevant experience, or a Master’s degree in any discipline with a shorter duration of relevant experience. Candidates with additional certifications in Human Resource Management are encouraged to apply, as these qualifications can enhance their candidacy.

Experience:
The HR Specialist role requires substantial experience in relevant HR functions, particularly in recruitment, HR contract administration, and employee relations. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in diverse environments, ideally within the UN system or similar organizations. Experience leading HR teams and providing HR support to partner entities is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of working in developing countries or humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in French and Spanish is considered desirable. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, and should possess the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in multiple languages, enhancing collaboration and understanding within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as mid-level, with an ongoing contract subject to performance, availability of funds, and organizational requirements. The HR Specialist will be expected to work flexible hours to accommodate time zone differences, particularly with New York. The working location for the Vienna duty station is to be confirmed, with options for office-based or home-based arrangements, including necessary visits to the Partner Office. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with disabilities.