People and Culture Officer (P-2), TA, 4 months, #00138294, Staff Support Unit, DPC, UNICEF NYHQ

About the role

Under the guidance of the P&C Manager (Staff Support Unit), the People and Culture Officer (Project) will serve as a strategic lead to ensure seamless information flow within the SSU through effective coordination and communication. The role involves integrating multi-divisional workflows, providing expert advisory on complex cases, and organizing regular meetings with focal points to address concerns, identify requests, and propose mitigation strategies. The Officer will liaise with the Specialized Support Network (SSN) to design and implement staff support frameworks during major organizational transitions and ensure timely, consistent information dissemination to staff.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily performance of the Unit and update the case management system to ensure effective coordination with clients.
• Establish workflows, communication, and coordination mechanisms to optimize service delivery and continuously improve the SSU operational framework.
• Produce regular reports using data analytics to identify trends and inform briefings for Chief HRBP and senior management, transitioning from reporting to predictive forecasting.
• Serve as the primary technical lead for resolving high-sensitivity or non-standard staff support cases through policy research, data analysis, and coordination with the SSN.
• Interpret complex HR policies, gather information for knowledge sharing, and provide prompt support to staff.
• Troubleshoot issues and escalate concerns to the People and Culture Manager/Chief HRBP as necessary.
• Organize regular meetings with focal points, the Specialized Service Network (SSN), and clients to discuss concerns, identify requests, and collect lessons learned.
• Oversee the evolution of the SSU Knowledge Base by designing a strategic communication architecture for real-time access to critical information for global staff.
• Support the end-to-end relocation framework by optimizing processes, identifying systemic gaps, and implementing corrective measures in coordination with the SSN.
• Compile FAQs based on staff questions and advise on subsequent action plans in collaboration with the People and Culture Manager and Chief HRBP.
• Issue timely performance reports to the People and Culture Manager and Senior Management.
• Coordinate learning programs, wellbeing sessions, and capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with Centers of Excellence (COEs).
• Represent change management in forums related to Staff Support Frameworks.

Requirements

• A University Degree in human resource management, business management, international relations, psychology, or another related social science field.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in People and Culture/human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation.
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in People and Culture management.
• Thorough knowledge of HR systems, policies, and procedures.
• High proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and other data analytic tools and platforms.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, including working with dashboards.
• Proactive coordination and communication skills for knowledge management and information sharing with stakeholders.
• Excellent planning, organizing, and coordination skills.
• High level of tact, judgment, and empathy in addressing client needs.
• Strong ability to articulate clear and concise ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Proficiency in English at a fluent level.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable.
• Familiarity with UN HR systems, policies, and procedures is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in the UN system, particularly with UNICEF, is an asset.
• Experience working within or supporting teams during major organizational transformations is an asset.
• Relevant experience at the country level, especially in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts, is valued.

Skills

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin this role. Required competencies include:

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

Benefits

• Paid parental leave.
• Breastfeeding breaks.
• Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace reflecting UNICEF’s global mandate.