Senior HR Business Partner, Client Services and Outreach Branch, Division for Human Resources, Dakar, Senegal, P-5 (1 Post + ROSTER)

NOTE: This vacancy is for one position in Dakar, Senegal and for a Roster for future vacancies in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Bangkok, or Cairo.

The Position:

You will manage the interface between business units and the Human Resources function in UNFPA by providing strategic HR Client services and driving HR programs and initiatives in your client area.

You will report to the Deputy HR Director.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a key member of the global HR team and facilitates the identification and meeting of the Human Resource needs and objectives of the organization in the client area (Region/HQ) supporting the effective implementation of the Human Resources aspects of the UNFPA Strategic Plan. The HRBP maintains an effective level of business acumen and aligns HR initiatives and programs to support the clients’ business objectives. The HRBP manages the business-HR interface and guides client managers in applying HR policies and practices effectively and equitably, also invites them to contribute to development of policies and HR initiatives in support of new and evolving ways of doing business. The HRBP will ensure delivery of timely, client focused HR support in a spirit of partnership with the business. In close collaboration with the HR Programme manager, you will lead and coordinate the efficient, consistent implementation of key HR processes in the above Regions. You will strengthen the team's ability to provide value-adding advice to managers and staff regarding policy application in all areas of Human Resources.

You will supervise a team of Human Resources Specialists and Assistants who support managers and staff based in the field. Together with the Deputy Director, Client Services the Regional HR Business Partner will be responsible for ensuring that the delivery of HR services globally meets clients' expectations with regard to efficiency and consistency. The position is a rotational and roster post.

The HRBP works with Client managers, including Directors and Representatives or equivalent level, and staff at all levels in the country offices and in New York, and participates in Regional/Division leadership/management teams. You will also work closely with other DHR Units, Legal, Staff Association, the Ombuds Office, and the Ethics Office, as well as other relevant networks within the UN system and other major international organizations to find synergies, benchmark and promote the progress in modernizing HR policies and practices.

You would be responsible for: 

1. Policy Advice:

• Serve as the lead interlocutor with the Policy Adviser on compelling business cases for new or revised policies, based on consultation with, guidance to, and/or feedback from, other HR Business Partners;
• Advise staff and managers on HR policies, guidelines, and practices;
• Provide quality advice to develop innovative HR approaches and solutions to complex problems;
• Manage the implementation of HR policies and practices by managers, HR Focal Points and other non-HR staff involved in implementation of HR policies and processes at the local level providing timely technical advice, guidance, follow-up and training as appropriate.

2. Performance and Staff Development:

• As a senior member of the DHR Team provides strategic advice on performance management and career development systems to HR Programmes.
• Manage the implementation of all corporate talent management programmes, while ensuring local relevance (performance, talent reviews, succession, global mobility, staff development) and initiatives in the client area working closely with the Specialists in the HR Programmes Unit;
• In collaboration with the Programmes Unit, support leadership in strengthening the links between individual performance and delivery of strategic priorities, and effective management of under-performance; advise staff on career development, and support client managers in continuously building up and developing their people management capabilities;
• Take the lead in identifying, assessing and resolving issues, problems, and conflicts at the Regional and CO levels, including guidance on informal and formal avenues of conflict management;
• In collaboration with the Directorate, provide support on identifying and managing complex cases (e.g. performance, health, medevac and separations);
• Work directly with staff members in at the regional and country offices on skill/learning needs assessments, and contribute to design and implementation of customized learning interventions;
• Working closely with the Programme Unit and the regional / Divisional Learning Focal Points ensure strategic regional learning needs are met.

3. Organizational Effectiveness/Business Consulting:

• As a senior member of the DHR Team, participate in and coordinate corporate level, organizational-wide HR initiatives, pilot programs, workshops, training sessions, etc. as determined by the Deputy HR Director or the HR Director.
• Lead the development and implementation of talent management programmes, in consultation with the Programmes Unit, while ensuring local relevance (performance, talent reviews, succession, global mobility, staff development) and initiatives in the client area working closely with the Specialists in the HR Programmes Unit;
• Advise and support in the design and implementation of interventions to support organizational effectiveness and high performing teams;
• Participate as a team member on HR projects, working groups, task forces, etc. in the client area and/or at corporate level;
• Provide guidance to client units on the review of GSS feedback, related action planning, implementation and follow-up;
• Act as member of the UNFPA/PSD Internal Consulting Group (ICG), drive organizational development across the organization by advising management on change processes and developing HR related initiatives to facilitate change, liaising with relevant stakeholders both in DHR and in the client system;
• Support Country Offices in the transition to new modes of engagement as required to deliver on the Country Programme. This may include assessment, realignment/shifts in staffing patterns, skills profiles and/or organizational structures;
• Undertake assessment and realignment of other business units as needed;
• Act as an integral member of the Regional Office Leadership Team, providing input on workforce planning, staffing trends and needs, implementation of HR initiatives/programmes and current people issues/solutions.

4. Planning and Analytics, and Workforce Management:

• As a senior member of the DHR Team participate in HR Corporate Initiatives providing technical leadership on workforce planning, staffing trends and needs, implementation of corporate HR initiatives/programmes, development of local HR initiatives and leading open discussions on current people issues and possible solutions;
• Proactive use of HR analytics to understand the staffing trends in the client area;
• Advise and assist managers in analyzing staffing needs, taking into account existing and anticipated work requirements and institutional goals/objectives;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Annual Regional or Divisional HR Plan (e.g. workforce analysis, recruitment, staff performance, staff development, career development and succession) in consultation with key stakeholders in the client area as well as in DHR to support the delivery of UNFPA’s People Strategy.

5. Recruitment and Staffing:

• Manage all recruitment activities and administration of national and international staff, including high level national posts at Country level, in the client area and provide advisory services as required;
• Oversee and provide guidance to Country Offices, as need, staffing matters;
• Manage recruitment and administration of national and international Individual Consultants (ICs), and provide quarterly reports;
• Provide guidance and facilitate the induction, orientation, and integration of new staff members in the client area as needed; ensure staff exit interviews are conducted;
• Work with UNDP BES Team, local and HQ, on HR administrative matters.

6. Humanitarian Capacity and Capability:

• Working closely with the DHR Humanitarian Unit to:
  • Assist in cases of humanitarian and medical emergencies, in collaboration with the Humanitarian Office and DHR Humanitarian Unit, DHR/Duty of Care, Security, and other relevant interagency counterparts;
  • Manage the provision of timely support to countries under fast track. Assist in talent acquisition for urgent humanitarian/other situations not in fast track countries requiring rapid response;
  • Support capability development efforts on humanitarian response.

7. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing:

• As a senior member of the DHR Team actively facilitate sharing of business knowledge and capacity building related to the evolving business operations and responses in DHR;
• Contribute to the relevant networks within the UN system and other major international organizations, representing DHR, as assigned, to find synergies, benchmark and promote the progress in modernizing HR policies and practices within the UN system, including recommendations to UNFPA/DHR.
• Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the client area (Region/Division) through active participation in the HR Business Partners community of practice.
• Contribute to building awareness and understanding of HR policies through knowledge sharing across the Region;
• Provide oversight and guidance to staff/team members supervised.

Serve as OIC as required for the Client Services and Outreach Branch (CSOB) and perform any other duties as may be required by the Deputy HR Director or the HR Director.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development or related discipline.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Ten (10) years of progressively relevant experience in HR management of which five (5) years at international level and five (5) years in a similar role are required;
• Experience in a supervisory/managerial role is required;
• Mastery of modern concepts and approaches in the field of Human Resources;
• Proven ability to deliver effective solutions to complex HR challenges in a multicultural environment;
• Strategic mindset coupled with strong analytical skills and a proven ability to handle big picture perspectives, as well as day to day operational matters;
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and project management skills;
• Ability to handle confidential information and gain trust;
• Strong communication, collaboration and team skills;
• Field experience is an asset;
• Experience with international development/humanitarian organization, multilaterals or INGO’s is an asset;
• Consulting experience related to organizational development and change management, is desirable.

Languages: 

Fluency in English and French is required; knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

• Anticipating client’s needs of HR support and responding based on clear understanding of the issues/concerns,
• Acting as a trusted advisor, removing obstacles and resolving issues within and across units,
• Assuming accountability for agreed results and meeting deadlines, creating conditions for achieving them,
• Using facts to persuade and demonstrating the ability to gain commitment.

Managerial Competencies:

• Providing strategic vision and focus,
• Engaging internal / external partners and stakeholders,
• Leading, developing and empowering people / creating a culture of performance,
• Making decisions and exercising judgment,
• Performance Management.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.