Chief of Human Resources (P4)

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit

About UNU Centre Administration

UNU Centre Administration is responsible for developing and implementing administrative policies governing the UNU and its global network of institutes and programmes. In addition, UNU Centre Administration provide services to internal clients in the areas of financial management, budgeting, human resources management, travel and procurement. UNU Centre Administration is located in Tokyo, Japan, with a global services centre based in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Administration, the Chief of Human Resources leads the human resources portfolio helping to deliver the objectives of the UNU Strategic Plan, creating organizational culture, supporting innovation, inclusivity and diversity. Ensuring that UNU and its managers are well equipped with tools and means to manage personnel and that all employees have meaningful experience in a collaborative work environment.

1. Management, Leadership and Operations

• Lead global HR operations and services for more than 700 UNU personnel to ensure compliance with regulations and rules, and deliverables achieved within established timelines and targets;

• Lead UNU HR Network comprising of UNU institute HR personnel by guiding them with clear objectives and goals as a UNU wide HR function, as well as enable them to perform their duties effectively and efficiently;

• Direct and manage the UNU Centre HR Team and activities including, training, staff administration and staff welfare;

• Direct and manage recruitment processes, including senior executive appointments, ensuring transparency and procedural integrity;

• Oversee the HR services provided by UNDP ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of contracted services;

• Manage all aspects of compensation and benefits for the organization and coordinate HR operations to ensure smooth administration and payrolling;

• Ensure consistent and effective administration of personnel and their conditions of service.

2. Policy and compliance

• Initiate and implement HR policies, structures and guidelines to respond to UNU’s mandate within the requirements of UN policies, rules and regulations, procedures and practice;

• Develop policy proposals and initiatives for consideration by senior management, reflecting latest trends in the UN system;

• Oversee the establishment of robust policies, processes and standard operating procedures to ensure the smooth running of human resources operations;

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislative framework providing advice and guidance on interpreting and implementing human resources policies and procedures in the context of UNU policies and UN system rules and regulations; 

• Responsible for correct HR reporting to internal and external bodies, including CEB Secretariat, ICSC, UN/OHR/DMSPC, UN BOA, UN Women/UNDP (gender dashboard), and UN Ethics;

• Facilitate the HR segment of the audits by UN Board Of Auditors (BOA) and OIOS, ensuring timely closure of recommendations and strengthening compliance assurance.

3. Capacity development and performance management

• Provide proactive support to institutes in capacity building, training and performance assessment for HR personnel;

• Lead and manage various HR initiatives including UNU Mentorship Programme, Engagement Surveys, and etc;

• Lead staff development and training as well as staff welfare activities;

• Provide proactive and innovative approaches to the delivery of human resources services and recommend changes as required;

• Advice and counsel staff in respect of duties, responsibilities, code of conduct/ethics and challenges associated with work and entitlements;

• Assist supervisors to manage the assessment and development of staff by ensuring that the annual performance appraisal process is completed in a timely and fair manner;

• Strengthen managerial performance throughout the university by advising staff at all levels on management practices and by providing guidance on specific management issues or problems.

4. HR Communications and partnerships

• Foster transparency and collaboration across the institutes, with the Office of the Rector, with the Staff Association and UNU personnel in general;

• Serve as Strategic Advisor to the UNU Rector’s Office on Human Resources matters;

• Provide clear, complete, accurate, consistent advice, support and briefings to various internal clients;

• Represent the University in negotiations with its staff, staff representatives and at inter-agency bodies dealing with human resources;

• Actively seek to establish new partnership with external bodies to enhance collaboration in HR areas including other UN agencies, universities, and professional bodies (e.g. CIPD);

• Provide strategic advisory services on organizational restructuring to UNU institutes;

• Lead the University’s effort on outreach activities and talent acquisition programmes such as Junior Professional Officer (JPO) and other donor funded programmes.

5. Gender, Diversity, Disability & Inclusion, Metal Health

• Serve as Lead Gender Focal point overseeing implementation and reporting on UN Policy of Gender, Equality and the Empowerment of Women and UNU Policy on Gender Equality and Action Plan;

• Lead Disability and Inclusion initiatives, ensuring compliance with UN system frameworks and promoting accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and equitable participation of persons with disabilities across UNU;

• Advance Diversity mainstreaming, by strengthening geographic, cultural, and professional diversity in recruitment, retention, and career development, in line with UN system standards;

• Coordinate Mental Health awareness and reporting, including development of campaigns, partnerships with service providers, and compliance with UN mental health reporting requirements.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key performance indicators

• Timely and accurate HR management reports.

• Quality of HR Policies and HR policy advice given to HR colleagues and managers.

• Timely implementation of HR related audit recommendations.

• Timely development, revision or adoption of relevant HR policies and procedures.

• Timely and quality implementation of HR projects in line with annual workplan.

• UNU is well-represented in interagency HR fora.

• Regular dissemination of HR updates and reports as required.

• Quality and level of engagement with UNDP as a key HR service provider and Institutes as critical clients.

• Personnel successfully achieve performance goals.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity

• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards

• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others

• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

• Master's degree or equivalent in human resources management, business administration or other relevant discipline OR

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources Management in a large organization, preferably, in an international environment.

• At least 5 years work experience in the United Nations Common Systems, along with supervisory responsibilities is required.

• Knowledge of United Nations staff rules and regulations is required.

• Professional membership in HR Associations (CIPD, SHRM, etc) would be strong advantage.

• Experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations is required.

• Experience with ERP systems is desirable.

• Excellent analytical skills, including analysis of systematic problems and recommending plans or action, new policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated experience in managing teams.

• Ability to take initiative and translate knowledge, ideas and strategies into concrete action and results. Coupled with big picture thinking, agility, flexibility and results-orientation.

• Strong understanding of project management and results-based management.

• Demonstrated negotiating, cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills.

• Ability to lead and contribute in cross-functional and diverse teams.

• Ability to take a hands-on approach to implement projects.

• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to write and present ideas, concepts and policy positions.

• Ability to handle confidential information.

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required

• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see:

Duration of contract

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.

For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.

Starting Date

January 2027

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;

• fill out the  (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and

• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the for more information.

Application Deadline

6 September 2026

Submissions must be received by 23.59 MYT (Malaysia time zone) on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

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