Chief HR Business Partners

How can you make a difference? 

Reporting to the Deputy Director-DHR, the incumbent provides technical leadership and strategic guidance to Headquarters divisions in support of UNICEF Strategic Plan and OneHR Strategy, through enhanced partnerships with Centers of Expertise (CoEs), strengthened systems, processes and data, and management of special projects within the HRBP portfolio. In partnership with a cross-functional group of designated client divisions, the incumbent provides leadership on strategic HR business partnering to enable them to deliver on their business goals and objectives.

The role of the HR Business Partnering section is to solve complex organizational challenges through offering business units people-related solutions. The Chief is accountable for guiding HR Business Partner teams that service HQ offices in New York and other outposted locations.  In doing so, the Chief demonstrates the ability to create an enabling environment in which the team anticipates clients’ people-related needs and develop plans and solutions that align people management with business objectives. In addition, this position serves as a key strategic advisor to the leadership of their offices in supporting UNICEF’s global Human Resource transformation through spearheading coordination of specific global projects aligned with OneHR strategic organizational needs, including context-specifc needs of other global locations.  In line with the new OneHR Delivery Model, the incumbent will lead the transitioning of HRBPs into divisional structures, enabling new generation HRBPs who will focus on enhanced talent management strategies for engaging and developing talent for the organization’s emerging priorities.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Strategic HR Leadership
• Uphold ethical standards, integrity, and transparency in HR practices and decision-making.
• Provide expert guidance and lead initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Promote a positive work environment emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing.
• Mentor and coach individuals to achieve organizational and personal professional goals.

Management Excellence

• Ensure compliance with systems and procedures; implement audit recommendations and internal controls.
• Build HR professionals’ skills in effective communication, analysis, and problem-solving.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration across functions and HR Centres of Expertise.
• Manage HR budgets effectively for cost-efficient resource allocation.

Strategic HR Planning

• Analyze and implement HR strategic plans tailored to unique talent priorities.
• Lead the design of organizational structures aligned with future growth strategies.
• Provide guidance on workforce planning, outreach, and resourcing strategies for diverse talent.
• Leverage IT knowledge to promote innovative work methods.

Managing Performance, Career Development, and Learning

• Foster a performance management culture focused on staff growth and continuous learning.
• Collaborate on talent development programs and global/regional development opportunities.
• Support delivery and evaluation of learning solutions to enhance staff skills and competencies.
• Conduct talent reviews and implement development plans for future leadership needs.
• Develop orientation packages for new staff in specific regions/countries.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to address HR concerns effectively.
• Engage with inter-agency bodies to align HR policies across the UN system.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with other UN agencies.

Influencing Organizational Culture and Change Management

• Drive initiatives to promote psychological safety, inclusiveness, and accountability.
• Lead change management efforts, including restructuring and transformational projects.
• Build partnerships to develop proactive HR solutions and tools.
• Strengthen HRBP capabilities through collaboration with Learning and Development CoEs.

Innovation and Knowledge Management

• Stay updated on HR trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation.
• Share best practices across offices to enhance HR processes and outcomes.
• Contribute to developing regional/global policies for efficiency and effectiveness.

HR Data Analysis and Reporting

• Use HR analytics to provide insights on workforce trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Design and execute surveys and discussions to capture employee feedback.
• Communicate workforce metrics to address critical talent-related questions and gaps.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An Advanced University Degree in human resource management, business management, international relations, psychology, sociology or another related field is required.
• Work Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible professional experience in human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation is required.

Skills:

• Leadership and Managerial Skills
• Skilled in shaping organizational culture and understanding factors affecting employee engagement.
• Expert in addressing complex problems with client-centric, goal-aligned solutions.
• Effective in supporting leaders to navigate planned and unexpected changes.
• Proficient in resource planning, goal achievement, and risk management.

Strategic Expertise

• Experienced in designing and implementing innovative, adaptable solutions.
• Proactive in learning and developing skills to address evolving environments.
• Skilled in advising and influencing executives to drive key business decisions.
• Strong business acumen to assess environments and implement transformative change.

Technical Proficiency

• Deep knowledge of HR principles, proficient in data analytics and reporting.
• Adaptable in revising policies and models to meet emerging organizational needs.
• Experienced in analyzing and resolving systemic issues with informed recommendations.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including multitasking, task prioritization, and risk management.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/577778