People and Culture Group

The People and Culture Group (PCG) drives the right culture and working environment in UNOPS by enabling UNOPS to deliver on its strategic intention through:

• embedding of UN core values and standards;

• developing fit-for-purpose People & Culture standards, policies, systems and platforms; and,

• creating an optimal working environment in which personnel are able to flourish and perform at the highest level to achieve UNOPS’ mission.

The Role

The Head of People Policy at UNOPS is a pivotal strategic leadership role responsible for the design, development, and implementation of human resources policies. Reporting to the Director People and Culture, the incumbent plays a key role in shaping the organization’s people policies to align with UNOPS's mission, values, and strategic objectives. The role is responsible for developing, reviewing, and advising on HR policies across the employment lifecycle.

The incumbent of this position provides substantive expertise on the formulation, application and interpretation of the UN Staff Regulations and Staff Rules and UNOPS HR policies and procedures, with a focus on the provision of people-related transactional and advisory services, ranging from recruitment and selection to benefits and entitlements, contract management, personnel support, and exit management..

The incumbent conducts risk-based HR policy analysis and provides advice on waivers, exceptions, and discretionary decisions, while liaising with other UNOPS units and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and consistency.

In performing their role, the Head of People Policy is able to communicate ideas and concepts clearly and convincingly while analyzing complex situations and coordinating actions beyond established procedures and models in order to resolve issues and deliver results.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Labour Law, social sciences or related field.

• Two (2) additional years of relevant experience in combination with a relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) as a substitute to the requirement of a Master’s degree.

• Internationally recognized HR professional certification is a plus.

• A minimum of 10 years of HR experience at the international level, with expertise in HR policy development and implementation required;

• Experience in developing HR policies, processes, and best practices in the UN or similar international organization;

• Minimum of 5 years of formal leadership or supervisory experience over a human resources unit/team/division;

• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing HR policies and procedures, with a strong understanding of best practices, legal requirements, and industry standards;

• Proven track record of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex issues into actionable policy recommendations;

• Demonstrated experience in exercising sound judgment and decision-making;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to synthesize complex concepts;

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.

Desired:

• Experience crafting HR policies, processes, and best practices in the UN or similar multilateral organization is a distinct asset;

• Experience leading or participating in a strategic HR transformation desired;

• Experience with an Integrated Service Management Solution (Umoja SAP, Peoplesoft, etc) relating to HR;

• Strong network of HR professionals in the international HR community.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.