Human Resources (HR) Assistant Officer – UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Organization: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Role: Assistant Human Resources Officer (NO-A) / Senior HR Assistant (G-6) Location: Multiple Duty Stations (Country-Specific Vacancies) Contract Type: Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) or Temporary Appointment (TA) Salary: Competitive (Tax-Free in most jurisdictions + UN Benefits) Closing Date: Rolling Intake for 2026 Operations

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees. As we face unprecedented global displacement in 2026, our workforce is our greatest asset.

We are seeking a dedicated Human Resources (HR) Assistant Officer to join our People & Culture team. This is not just an admin role; it is a position of trust. You will ensure that the staff who serve refugees are themselves supported, paid, and developed effectively.

If you are a people-person with a mind for compliance and a heart for humanitarian work, this is your opportunity to join the UN family.

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Background & Role Description

HR in UNHCR has transformed. In 2026, we use modern cloud-based systems (Workday) and focus on “Duty of Care.”

As an HR Assistant Officer, you will serve as the first point of contact for staff regarding their employment. You will handle the “Life Cycle” of a staff member—from the moment they are hired to the day they retire. You will work under the supervision of the Senior HR Officer to ensure that our operations remain compliant with UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

Key Context:

• “National” Focus: This position is typically open only to nationals of the country where the vacancy is advertised.
• Emergency Readiness: You must be prepared to surge recruitment during new refugee emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Recruitment & Onboarding

• Coordinate the local recruitment process: posting vacancies on Workday, screening long-lists of candidates, and scheduling interviews.
• Serve as the Secretary to the Local Assignments Committee (LAC), taking minutes during selection panel meetings.
• Facilitate the onboarding of new hires (e.g., issuing ID cards, setting up email accounts, and briefing them on the Code of Conduct).

2. Staff Administration (The “Core” Work)

• Process personnel actions in the ERP system (Workday or MSRP) for contract renewals, step increments, and separations.
• Advise staff on their Entitlements & Benefits (e.g., Dependency Allowance, Education Grant, Medical Insurance).
• Monitor staff attendance and leave records to ensure accuracy for payroll.

3. Staff Welfare & Duty of Care

• Assist in medical evacuations for staff members in medical emergencies.
• Act as a confidential focal point for staff queries regarding health insurance (MIP) reimbursements.

4. Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate physical and digital personnel files (confidentiality is paramount).
• Generate monthly HR reports on gender parity, vacancy rates, and mandatory training compliance.

Human Resources (HR) Assistant Officer – UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Qualifications & Requirements

UNHCR values integrity and professionalism above all.

Education

• For NO-A Level: University Degree (Bachelor’s) in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Law, or Psychology.
• For G-Level: Completion of Secondary Education (High School) is required; a tertiary certificate in HR is a major asset.

Experience

• Minimum 1-3 years of relevant experience in HR, Administration, or Office Management.
• Prior experience with UN agencies or International NGOs is highly desirable.
• Experience using HR Information Systems (HRIS) like Workday, Oracle, or SAP is a distinct advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Languages: Fluency in English and the Local Language of the duty station is mandatory.
• Discretion: You will handle sensitive personal data (salaries, medical records). High ethical standards are non-negotiable.
• Client Orientation: Ability to explain complex rules to staff with patience and empathy.

Why Apply for This Position

1. The “Blue Passport” Experience While National Officers do not get a diplomatic passport, you become part of the International Civil Service. You gain access to UN learning portals, global networks, and career mobility opportunities.

2. Best-in-Class Benefits UNHCR offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the development sector:

• Pension: Participation in the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).
• Medical: Comprehensive health insurance for you and your dependents.
• Leave: 30 days of paid annual leave per year.

3. Meaningful Work Your work directly supports the field officers on the front lines. When you process a contract quickly, a Protection Officer can get to the field faster to help a refugee family.

Application Tips & Insights

1. Master “Workday” UNHCR recently migrated to Workday for HR management. If you have any experience with this software, highlight it in bold on your CV. It reduces your training time significantly.

2. The “Motivation Letter” Do not write a generic letter. Mention specific UN Core Values (Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity).

• Example: “I demonstrated integrity in my previous role by managing confidential payroll data for 500 employees…”

3. Competency-Based Interview If shortlisted, you will face a panel interview. They will use the CBI (Competency-Based Interview) format.

• Question: “Tell me about a time you had to deliver difficult news to a colleague.”
• Method: Answer using Situation, Action, Result.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official UNHCR Careers Page.
2. Filter:
   • Location: Select your country.
   • Category: Select “National Professional Officer” or “General Service.”
3. Create Profile: You must create a detailed profile in the Workday system.
4. Submit: Upload your CV and Motivation Letter.

Note: UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you receive an email asking for money, it is a scam.

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