How can you make a difference?

In an effort to measurably improve UNICEF’s ability to deliver better results for children as elaborated in the Strategic Plan, and to also support the Human Resources transformation strategy, the Division of Human Resources (DHR) has embarked on a transformational process in a number of key areas, including effective talent acquisition, robust performance and career management and supporting organizational results delivery through effective partnerships with clients. DHR will partner with line managers and share ownership and accountability for people management based on clearly defined roles and responsibilities. DHR client service will be more direct, more consistent and better resourced across all regions and countries.

The newly established center of expertise for Talent Development supports UNICEF on nurturing and enhancing the skills, capabilities, and potential of staff to drive individual and organizational growth. The role of Human Resources Specialist (Career Development) will contribute to this ambitious and exciting agenda and will enable UNICEF to better address humanitarian and development needs.

Purpose for the job

Under the guidance of the HR Manager, Career Development, the incumbent serves as the primary focal point for UNICEF’s global REACH Programme to support career transition of high potential national staff. The incumbent is part of the UNICEF HR Talent Development team and is expected to work closely with other teams and units in DHR, the Global Learning Center and the HR Community

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The Human Resources Specialist will support various Career Development initiatives for the following:

Needs Assessment and Guidance:

• Conduct initial assessment to understand the career support needs from regional (RO) and country offices (CO).
• Assist RO/CO in identifying career support interventions aligned to the needs of the Office.

 Professional Development Programme for National Staff

• Act as Focal Point for managing the Professional Development Programme from Regional Offices and Country Offices.
• Manage the coordination and support delivery of all workshops and other interventions.
• Participate on the review of the Professional Development Programme to assess impact and sustainability.
• Advocate on behalf of the national staff to apply for international positions.

Evaluation of Workshops/Webinars/Coaching

• Manage the on-going evaluation for all workshops/webinars evaluated by participants.
• Prepare evaluation reports and share with Facilitators/Coaches.
• Create bi-annual reports to keep track of feedback received and follow up to ensure feedback is integrated into ongoing development of programmes.

New Programmes and Initiatives

• Support the design and implementation of new career development programmes.
• Monitor the effectiveness of programme and provide feedback for enhancement.

Resources Management and Knowledge Management

• Maintain a centralized repository of resources and tools for career development accessible to the OneHRCommunity and all staff.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing sessions with HR colleagues to exchange best practices, insights, and emerging trends in career development.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in human resource management, business administration, public administration, social sciences, or other related field(s).
• Professional certification or additional training in relevant areas is desirable.
• At least five years of progressive professional experience in human resources, organizational development, employee engagement, and/or change management in a global / international organization is required.
• Strong facilitation and organizational skills are required.
• Proven ability to analyze data, generate reports to ensure the effectiveness of career development programmes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with an open mind.
• Knowledge of a range of metrics to assess staff experiences and interpret results.
• Ability to motivate, inspire, and empower individuals to set and achieve their career goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required.
• Knowledge of a second UN language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is a distinct advantage.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships (1)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
• Innovates and embraces change (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
• Thinks and acts strategically (1)
• Works collaboratively with others (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.