Tiered Approach

 In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

 Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Cabo Verde became the first pilot Joint Office (JO) of the Ex-Com agencies (UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF) on 1 January 2006.  This was a major step of UN reform towards the harmonization and simplification of UN activities in small countries.  A Joint Office model consists of a single UN office of the participating agencies, led by one representative who equally represents all the participating agencies. The JO has one organizational structure and a single common country programme encompassing the activities and mandates of all three participating agencies, and uses one set of business processes, rules and regulations under a “support agency” arrangement, namely UNDP ERP. The JO, now comprising by 3 agencies – UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF is presently one of the leading UN entities in implementation of the UN Cooperation Framework, fully aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan (PEDS) and with Agenda 2030. A UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF Common Country Programme Document (CCPD) covers the period of 2023-2027. 

The Human Resources (HR) unit provides support to Country Office (CO) management in ensuring that the office is appropriately staffed with high quality and engaged personnel who receive the guidance, feedback, and development they need to fully contribute to the CO’s agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. The HR team applies strategic human resource and talent management policies, procedures, programs and solutions – that leverage both technology and analytics – to promote a strong people management culture and high performing, diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the HR Associate ensures execution of transparent and efficient HR services in the CO. The HR Associate promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach and supports the maintenance of high staff morale.

The HR Associate may supervise and lead clerical and support staff in the HR Unit. The HR Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, and project teams in the CO, UNDP HQ OHR Business Partners, and staff in GSSC and other UN Agencies to exchange information and resolve complex HR-related issues.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

1.)   Ensure effective administration and implementation of HR strategies and policies. 
Example of Duties:    •    Ensure full compliance of records and reports with UN rules, regulations, and UNDP policies, procedures, and strategies; effective implementation of the internal controls; and proper functioning of the HR management system and practices.
•    In consultation with the direct supervisor and office management, support CO HR business processes mapping, and provide input to content elaboration and update of internal HR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) where needed in CO to supplement SOPs issued by GSSC/OHR. Adapt processes and procedures where necessary to meet the needs of CO. 
•    Provide information to management and personnel on the implementation of HR policies, corporate strategies, rules and regulations, HR business processes, and proper use of contractual modalities. 
•    Collect information and support to UNDP’s participation in inter-agency exercises and surveys, such as comprehensive and interim local salary survey, hardship, and place-to-place surveys, in coordination with the direct supervisor. 
•    Collect information on the risk management of Country Office HR activities to proactively manage and mitigate the risk. 
2.)  Provide HR services  to the UNDP CO and other UN agencies, including recruitment and staffing.

Example of Duties:    •    Implement recruitment processes in coordination with GSSC and locally with Hiring Managers that includes drafting job descriptions, providing input to job classification process, drafting vacancy announcements, screening candidates, participating in interview panels, providing support for the submission of compliance reviews as per the actions delegated to the CO. In coordination with Hiring Managers, submit requests and appropriate documentation to GSSC for non-delegated actions.
•    Facilitate creation and update of positions in ERP (or create positions if delegated) and association and update of positions to chart fields, in coordination with budget owners.
•     Follow up with Finance staff and GSSC on Global Payroll issues.
•    Monitor and track all transactions related to positions, recruitment, benefits, earnings/deductions, retroactivities, recoveries, adjustments, and separations through ERP and other relevant corporate platforms.
•    Process timely contract management actions, in close coordination with supervisors and senior management.
•    Provide support to process benefits and entitlements delegated to the CO, as applicable and in coordination with the direct supervisor and management, such as medical evacuations, R&R, safety and security interventions.
•    Maintain CO staffing table and local rosters where relevant.
•    Validate cost-recovery charges in ERP for HR services provided by the UNDP to other Agencies. 
•    Provide assistance to the contract management, payroll, and separations in coordination with GSSC in accordance with the delegation of authority given to the CO.
•    Provide HR support and services to the UN system, including provision of information on personnel benefits and entitlements to UN agencies in line with UNDP policies and in coordination with GSSC as applicable.
•    Provide administrative support to retirees as applicable.
3.) Ensure proper staff performance management, talent management and career development in CO.

Example of Duties:    •    Provide background information and maintain related data acting as Secretary to formal CO management groups responsible for collectively reviewing and discussing CO staff performance, talent, and development needs.
•    Provide assistance to Performance Management reporting and monitoring.
•    Provide input to the CO-wide Learning plan’s preparation in consultation with the Senior Management, HR Analyst, and Talent Development Manager
•    Develops mechanisms to maintain high staff engagement and staff morale. 
4.) Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO.

Example of Duties:    •    Organize training for the Operations and projects staff on HR issues.
•    Assist in the creation and implementation of a local onboarding plan, leveraging corporate resources.
•    Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in HR.
•    Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. 
    5.)  Conduct of UN-related surveys and effective support to the OMT 
Example of Duties:    •     Leads or assists all relevant UN related surveys i.e. salary survey; DSA survey; place to place survey; housing survey, etc. 
•    Ensures timely data analytics / lead HR OMT working group 
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: May supervise clerical and support staff in the HR unit.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education 
• Specialized certification in HR is required

A university degree in Human Resource, Business Administration, Public Administration, or an equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible HR and/or administrative experience at the national or international level is required.          

Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.

Fluency in Portuguese 

Working knowledge of English 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.