Human Resources Officer, NO-2, Fixed Term, Bridgetown, Barbados, UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area, #129453

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a champion.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job:

The HR Officer reports to the Operations Manager for close guidance, training and supervision. The Officer provides support to the supervisor and colleagues in the unit by executing HR services through applying knowledge of theoretical HR models, as well as understanding of organizational HR policies and procedures.

Key functions/accountabilities:

1. Business Partnering

• Through research of policies and analysis of data, provide support to the HR Business Partner in advising their clients on HR-related needs and developing subsequent plans of action.
• Provide accurate and timely advice to clients on HR processes and policies, ensuring the highest level of client-orientation.
• Proactively advise clients on the resolution of human resources issues ensuring equitable and transparent solutions that protects both the staff and organizations interests in accordance with policies, regulations and procedures.
• Promote the organizational goals and targets for gender equity and cultural diversity.

2. Strategic Human Resources

• Liaise with the HQ Divisions, regional and country offices to support and contribute to corporate HR strategy formulation and global implementation. Provide feedback and make recommendations on the establishment and improvement of HR systems, policies and processes.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in HR management and contribute to the development of global policies, procedures and introduce innovation through sharing of best practices and knowledge learned.

3. Support to Implementation of assigned Human Resources Service

• Provide support to various or one specific HR occupation (recruitment, job classification, career development, performance management, data analytics, learning & development etc.) to help their supervisors in implementing efficient client services that help either attract, retain and/or motivate staff of the highest caliber.
• When assigned casework in the relevant area on either a routine or non-routine basis, analyze and synthesize issues and problems, and interpret established, formal guidelines to address and recommend solutions or further actions required.

4. Learning and Capacity Development

• In collaboration with business owners, support the design and delivery of learning plans for staff.
• Contribute to the mapping of competencies for all staff included in the assigned client portfolio, assisting in the development of a comprehensive framework in support of the development of the talent pipeline.
• Research on efficient and cost-effective learning products which enable staff to develop their skills and competencies.
• Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.
• Provide orientation briefing to new staff.

5. HR Data Analytics

• Collect, interpret and analyze HR data to help inform decision making on HR processes and strategies.
• Support the development and implementation of data collection systems to optimize data quality.
• Coordinate with country offices and partners to provide assistance in their HR information management.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: A University Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Management, International Relations, Psychology or another related field is required.

Work experience: Two years of professional experience in human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation is required.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Skills:

Managerial Skills:

• Ability to manage projects and tasks efficiently, ensuring that HR services are delivered effectively and within set deadlines.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts of human resources management.
• Ability to identify issues, conduct rigorous research, and make conclusions and recommendations.
• Strong research, planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent knowledge of information technology systems and tools.

Interpersonal and Communication:

• Ability to communicate effectively in a diverse organization tailoring language, tone, style and format to match audience.
• Ability to empathize with client managers, supervisors and staff while advocating for consistent and equitable applications of promulgated HR regulations and rules.

Desirables:

• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered 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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Nurtures, Leads and Manages People

(2) Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness

(3) Works Collaboratively with others

(4) Builds and Maintains Partnerships

(5) Innovates and Embraces Change

(6) Thinks and Acts Strategically

(7) Drive to achieve impactful results

(8) Manages ambiguity and complexity

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be 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 canceled.

Remarks:

As per 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.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable males are encouraged to apply.

National Officers are recruited locally but can be of any nationality. Candidates must be in possession of an existing work permit/documentation permitting work in Barbados or be a resident/citizen of Barbados to be considered eligible for this post.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.