Costa Rica – Human Resources Associate GS6 (ONLY NATIONALS)

The focus of HR positions at this level is on the provision of specialized transactional HR activities pertaining to recruitment and placement, administration of entitlements, staff development and career development, job classification and/or performance management. Specialized activities pertain to the application of HR regulations, rules and procedures in the context of, on a day-to-day basis, there typically being more complications that arise with a broader variety of solutions that are not always clearly covered in general guidelines, thus requiring a greater capacity to adapt and interpret. These positions, consequently, require in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and the capacity to carry out tasks with strong independence.  Thus, managerial oversight for these positions is limited to ensuring results are fulfilled according to work-plans and facilitating any issues that arise outside of established patterns. Additionally, HR positions in Country Offices also play a pivotal role in supporting learning and capacity development; Staff Performance Management and career development; and Change Management.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a champion

The focus of HR positions at this level is on the provision of specialized transactional HR activities pertaining to recruitment and placement, administration of entitlements, staff development and career development, job classification and/or performance management. Specialized activities pertain to the application of HR regulations, rules and procedures in the context of, on a day-to-day basis, there typically being more complications that arise with a broader variety of solutions that are not always clearly covered in general guidelines, thus requiring a greater capacity to adapt and interpret. These positions, consequently, require in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and the capacity to carry out tasks with strong independence.  Thus, managerial oversight for these positions is limited to ensuring results are fulfilled according to work-plans and facilitating any issues that arise outside of established patterns. Additionally, HR positions in Country Offices also play a pivotal role in supporting learning and capacity development; Staff Performance Management and career development; and Change Management.  

How can you make a difference? 

Under the close supervision and guidance of the Head of Office and working in close collaboration with the UNICEF Country Office Operations Officer and Programme Manager, the Human Resources Associate provides administrative, procedural and operational support and assistance to the efficient implementation of a broad range of Human Resources functions for all categories of staff in his/her office, ensuring accurate and timely delivery that is in compliance with UNICEF HR rules and regulations.

1.  Support to business partnering.

• Support the business partners in developing initiatives to encourage employee well-being and employee recognition schemes.
• Support the management of change processes by advising clientele on changes to HR processes under the guidance of HR Business Partner
• Support the business partners in assisting clientele in using HR systems such as talent management, agora and achieve.

2.  Assistance and guidance in requesting entitlements and benefits.

• In consultation with supervisor, analyze, research, verify, and compile data and information on cases that do not conform to UN or UNICEF’s HR Rules & Regulations, to support consistent and equitable application of decisions and implementation of agreed upon action.
• In consultation with supervisor, analyze, research and verify information for the purpose of responding to staff queries on areas related to benefits and entitlements.
• Initiates the processing of a wide range of personnel actions in accordance with UNICEF rules and regulations, by ensuring all relevant forms and actions are completed by staff and forwarded to the GSSC.
• Maintains and prepares all personnel-related records and files, ensuring all information on each staff member is up-to-date and accurate.

3.  Support in recruitment and placement

• Prepares and circulates internal and external advertisements.
• Liaises with candidates in the various stages of the recruitment process.
• Prepares formal acknowledgement, offer and regret letters.
• Initiates and follows up on reference checks and academic verifications and ensuring the completion of other background checks.
• Monitors life cycle of recruitment process to update supervisor as necessary.

4.  Support in organization design and job classification

• Participates in the review of GS positions specific JDs, ensuring effective application of ICSC methodology.
• Drafts and edits job descriptions to be submitted for classification for review by supervisor.
• Follows up and liaises with HQ and RO over status of requests to ensure timely completion.
• Prepares documents to be submitted for classification to RO and NYHQ, ensuring completeness of documentation.
• Monitors life cycle of all job classification requests to facilitate recruitment and organization planning.
• Compiles and analyses information and statistics related to posts and staff for reports on staffing trends.
• Analyze, research, verify, and compile data which facilitates preparation of workforce planning reports for supervisor to review against benchmarks i.e. Gender and geographical balance and other recruitment

5.  Support in learning & capacity development

• In consultation with supervisor, research, and analyses data and information to help identify training needs within his/her office for the development of learning plans and other targeted training interventions.
• In consultation with supervisor, researches, analyzes, verifies, and compiles information on external training courses available and educational institutions to help supervisor decide on learning programmes that address learning gaps in his/her country office.
• Assists team in organizing and conducting courses, workshops and events by participating in exercises which aim to build capacity of stakeholders.
• Develops and processes contracts for institutions providing training and courses, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations. 
• Assists team in organizing and conducting courses, workshops and events by preparing and organizing distribution of materials for participants, ensuring availability of training venues and required equipment and supplies, while providing logistical and secretarial support at workshops and events as necessary.
• Tracks the performance management cycle processes, ensuring the timely distribution and enhancing the timely completion and return of appraisals.

6.  Support in Staff Performance Management and career development

• Supports in the planning and implementation of the office learning and development plan.
• In consultation with supervisor, research and analysis, data and information to help identify training needs within the office for the development of learning plans and other targeted training interventions. Facilities the reporting on the achievement/impact of training via use of agreed indicators of success.
• Assists team in organizing conducting en courses, workshops and events by participating in exercises which aim to build capacity of the stakeholders.
• Assists team in organizing and conducting courses, workshops and events by preparing organizing distribution of materials for participants, ensuring availability of training venues and required equipment and supplies, while providing logistical and secretarial support at workshops, en events necessary.

7.  Support in change management.

• Supports in the implementation of change management activities. Such as implementation of new system and policies. PBR process, etc.
• Within the operation section, can fill in for other positions when needed, i.e., administrative assistant.

Considering the Office structure the HR Assistant is expected to provide support the operations officer on administrative manners.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:  Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• Work Experience: 
  • A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible administrative or clerical work experience required.
  • Exposure to multi-cultural or international environment will be considered as an asset
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required, and the local language of the duty station is required.
• Skills :
  • Technical
    • Extensive knowledge of HR principles, rules, regulations and procedures within the UN
    • Computer literacy and the ability to effectively use standard office software tools as well as good knowledge and skill in using HR systems.
    • Ability to extract and format data and to solve operational problems.
    • Ability to organize own work, set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Interpersonal and communication
    • Takes responsibility to respond to internal and external service needs promptly and proactively; takes initiative to ensure that deadlines, rules and regulations are met. Uses own discretion to address unforeseen situations.
    • Demonstrates a high degree of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment.
    • Demonstrates courtesy, tact, patience and ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Desirables:
  • Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. [Please do not remove this desirable; it should be present in all advertisements]

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable male, indigenous, african decent, and/or people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.