Job Description

Duration of the contract
1 year (renewable)
Deadline for submission of applications
08 October 2025
Organizational Unit
Human Resources Unit (HRU)
Number of job positions
1
Organizational Setting and Reporting:
This position is located in the Human Resources Unit, under the Division for Operations, in Geneva, Switzerland.



Remuneration:
In accordance with the UN Rules and Regulations. Depending on professional background and experience, the Executive Director reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level lower than the advertised level of the post.



Accountabilities:
Under the supervision of the Senior Human Resources Specialist, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:


Provide advice and support to Managers and staff on human resources related matters. Keep abreast of developments in various areas of human resources. Assist in identifying and analyzing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for HRU as well as HR KPIs for the HR function globally. Contribute to development of initiatives and tools to support professionalization of the HRU function. Contribute to the preparation of the Unit's work programme and budget and the monitoring of the Unit's budget performance.

A. Preparation of HR related documents, surveys, reports, internal rules and regulations:

Serve as knowledge coordinator for HRU, and supports the development, implementation and/or maintenance of intranet/internet pages for HR. Network and collaborate to establish internal and external support to HR initiatives, as well as ensure capitalizing on best practices in HR. Assist in the preparation of presentations and written outputs on the full range of policy and practical issues related to international and national personnel. Prepare reports such as gender, geographical balance, statistics, and other substantive reports. Act as second Classification Officer.

B. Recruitment and Placement of personnel:

Contribute to HR projects and tools in the area of recruitment. Assist in the development and implementation of key communication tools and material for recruitment. Conduct recruitment process (prepare vacancy announcements, review applications, organize interviews, prepare files for the Appointment and Promotion Board, process reference checks, prepare offers of appointment considering the existing policies and rules on benefits and entitlements etc.). Coordinate the various UNITAR Traineeship and Collaborators Programmes. Maintain UNITAR e-Recruitment tool.

C. Administration of staff entitlements:

Administer and provide advice on salary and related benefits, entitlements, on the interpretation and application of policies, regulations and staff rules. Carry out all Human Resources administrative transactions including preparation of personnel actions, processing of personnel contracts, insurance enrolments, induction/separation etc... Maintaining all Human Resources lists and filing systems.

D. Staff development and career support training:

Assist on talent management initiatives including establishment of career paths and other initiatives to support development and retaining of staff. Contribute to the development of training courses for UNITAR personnel. Coordinate the logistical arrangements for staff training. Assist in the identification and selection process of resource persons, draft terms of reference, prepare for contracts and payments. Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Staff at large, Managers, Directors Applicants/General Public/Partners Human Resources Officers/Administrative Officers/Training Officers/Executive Officers in the Secretariat Counterparts in other UN agencies Missions Results expected:
Apply knowledge with respect to the full range of human resource management activities of the Unit. Adhere to applicable UN/UNITAR guidelines, policies and procedures while undertaking these duties. Competencies:

Professionalism:

Knowledge of human resources policies, practices and procedures and ability to apply them in an organizational setting. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence of subject matter, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allow for contingencies when planning, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability:

Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings.

Client Orientation:

Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive relations with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets deadlines for delivery of products or services to clients.

Commitment to Continuous Learning:

Keeps abreast of new developments in own field; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Technological Awareness:

Seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. Minimum requirements

Education:

Advanced University degree in human resources management, business or public administration, or social science.

Work experience:

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration or related area in a United Nations common system organization. Knowledge of Quantum is desirable.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English and French. Working knowledge of a third UN language is an advantage. Special Notice:
UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.



English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.



UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.



Considerations:
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.



Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.



The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.



No Fee:
UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.



How to apply
Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.


Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.