JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for Applications

October 17, 2025

Hardship Level

H (no hardship)

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR4

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-10-03

Standard Job Description

Head of Assignments and Recruitment Unit

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Head of Assignment and Recruitment Unit is situated within the Assignment, Mobility and Transition Section (AMTS) of the Integrated Talent Management Service (ITMS), a principal service of the Division of People Management (DPM). AMTS is critical in ensuring UNHCR”s workforce is strategically deployed to align with operational and strategic priorities while adhering to the principles of equity, inclusion, and fairness.

This position leads the Assignment and Recruiting, overseeing the end-to-end vacancy management process for International Professional category positions. The incumbent plays a pivotal role in enabling efficient and timely recruitment and assignments, ensuring alignment with the Recruitment and Assignment Policy (RAP) and its Administrative Instructions (RAAI).

In collaboration with key stakeholders, the role is vital in bridging organizational needs and talent supply. It also contributes to minimizing long-standing vacancies, supporting career mobility, and enhancing the organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Lead and manage the end-to-end recruitment and assignment processes to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and the Recruitment and Assignment Policy (RAP).
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize the matching of talent to positions across field operations, regional bureaux, and headquarters.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to established timeframes for filling positions through biannual compendia, addenda, and other exercises.
• Oversee the eligibility determination process for applicants to ensure transparency, fairness, and alignment with AMTS standards.
• Validate and finalize eligibility lists before sharing with hiring managers and functional assessment units.
• Address challenges related to vacancies with insufficient or no eligible candidates by working closely with managers and other units to identify solutions
• Spearhead the organization of competency-based interviews (CBI) for all relevant positions, ensuring panels reflect diversity in region, function, and gender.
• Act as Secretariat for interview panels at senior levels, including P5 and D1, ensuring timely documentation and adherence to policies.
• Standardize recruitment and interview practices across the organization by developing guidelines and monitoring mechanisms.
• Build Partnership and maintain strong relationships with regional bureaux, field operations, and headquarters divisions to ensure effective coordination of assignments and recruitment activities.
• Provide managers and HR practitioners with expert advice and support on recruitment policies, eligibility criteria, and interview processes.
• Serve as the primary contact for field operations on assignments and recruitment-related queries
• Analyze recruitment and assignments data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement in the process.
• Prepare regular reports, briefings, and presentations for senior leadership on the status of assignments and recruitment, including vacancy trends and performance metrics.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the RAP and RAAI to reflect organizational priorities and evolving recruitment needs.
• Introduce innovative tools and methodologies to enhance the efficiency, inclusiveness, and transparency of recruitment and assignments processes.
• Stay informed about global best practices in talent acquisition and integrate them into UNHCR’s processes.
• Organize and deliver training for managers, HR practitioners, and resource managers on assignments, recruitment policies, and competency-based interview techniques.
• Promote understanding and confidence in recruitment processes among stakeholders through regular engagement and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Develop and maintain systems to track the effectiveness of recruitment and assignment processes, ensuring alignment with AMTS and organizational objectives.
• Actively seek feedback from stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Assignments and Recruitment Unit, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Ensure team members are well-equipped with the tools and knowledge required to perform their roles effectively.
• Represent AMTS in internal and external forums related to assignments and recruitment, advocating for the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all processes.
• Act as an ambassador for UNHCR’s talent management initiatives, promoting its commitment to fostering a high-performing and diverse workforce.
• Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical behavior in all interactions with staff, managers, and external candidates.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as delegated by the Chief of AMTS to address emerging priorities and ensure the success of assignments and recruitment processes.
• Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Human Resources Management Public Administration; Law;

Political Sciences; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Relevant previous professional experience with at least 5 years of progressively responsible managerial experience.

Desirable

Capacity to analyze complex procedural documents. Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships, effectively collaborate with diverse teams, and communicate with stakeholders at all levels to achieve mutual goals. Expertise in recruitment and assignment management with a concentration in human resources planning and practices within the UN common system in general and UNHCR in particular. Field experience.

Functional Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation

HR-HR Policies-Trends/initiatives/best practices in UN Common Syst, public & private sectors

SO-Networking

HR-HR Policy Development and Coordination

HR-Workforce Engagement Strategies and Programmes

DM-Data analysis

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Judgement and Decision Making

Leadership

Managing Performance

Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Planning and Organizing

Stakeholder Management

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for the Head of Recruitment and Assignment Unit will be a strategic and results-driven HR professional with extensive experience in recruitment, assignments, and talent management within a large, complex, and global organization. The candidate should have a deep understanding of HR policies, workforce planning, and mobility strategies, particularly in international humanitarian or development settings. A strong track record of leading recruitment and assignment processes, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with HR policies, is essential.

The candidate should have demonstrated competencies in leadership, innovation, and adaptability in managing a high-volume recruitment function in a dynamic and evolving complex environment. Given the current external recruitment freeze, the High Commissioner’s Special measure and focus on internal mobility, the candidate must be able to navigate complex staffing challenges, ensuring efficient workforce deployment and alignment with UNHCR’s strategic priorities. The ability to work collaboratively with hiring managers, governance bodies (the incumbent may serve as the Secretary/Ex-Officio to JRB/SAC/AC), regional bureaus, and field operations to optimize recruitment and assignment processes is essential.

Given this position supports the HQ level and Senior Assignments, it requires demonstrated excellence in drafting, as well as substantial experience in navigating complex senior-level assignment procedures.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Nature of Position:

The Division of People Management aims to put people at the heart of everything we do, from talent management, HR policy and strategy to occupational health, workforce planning and safeguards against abuse and harassment. We partner with colleagues across the organization to build a skilled, diverse, and compassionate workforce that can rise to today’s challenges and prepare for the future. We harness technology and foster strong partnerships to shape a more responsive, strategic and sustainable people function. Our goal is to support every UNHCR colleague, wherever they are, with the tools, trust, and care they need to thrive, lead, and serve with purpose.

As global challenges grow more complex and displacement crises demand increasingly innovative responses, UNHCR’s workforce must be equipped with the right skills to remain effective. The broader vision for a modernized UN system under UN 2.0 and UNHCR’s shift to sustainable programming highlight the need to adapt talent management and development. These challenges have called for a more focused and impactful Learning and Development (L&D) model, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the skills, tools, and leadership capabilities required to thrive in a dynamic and complex operational environment.

To address these needs, the Integrated Talent Management Service (ITMS) replaces the Assignments and Talent Mobilization Service (ATMS), with a mandate to ensure that UNHCR has the right talent in place through integrated management of assignments, talent acquisition, and development. ITMS will build a high-performing, resilient, and engaged workforce by strategically investing in leadership, people management, and performance. The future structure will be supported by an organizational ecosystem for L&D that relies on close partnerships with Divisions, Regional Bureaux, and other entities.

As part of ITMS, the Assignments Mobility and Transition Section (AMTS) is pivotal in strategically managing workforce assignments to align with UNHCR’s operational and strategic objectives. Within AMTS, the Recruitment and Assignment Unit – HQ/RB/SAC oversees recruitment, eligibility screening, selection, and assignment processes for International Professional and local positions in Geneva HQ, ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency in accordance with UNHCR’s Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP).

The Head of Recruitment and Assignment Unit – HQ/RB/SAC operates within AMTS, leading the end-to-end recruitment and assignment process for International Professional staff as well as provides oversight role for local assignments to ensure alignment with UNHCR’s People Strategy and workforce planning priorities. The incumbent enhances efficiency, transparency, and compliance in recruitment, overseeing eligibility screening, shortlisting, interview coordination, support and candidate selection for headquarters, regional, and senior-level positions, while collaborating with governance bodies, hiring managers, and HR partners.

Operating in a dynamic and evolving talent management landscape, this role requires strategic agility to navigate workforce mobility challenges, recruitment process optimization, and diversity objectives. With an external recruitment freeze, High Commissioner’s special measures and a focus on internal mobility and staff in between assignments (SIBAs), the incumbent plays a key role in ensuring timely and strategic talent placements. Additionally, the position involves leveraging HR technologies and innovative hiring practices to enhance the candidate experience, streamline recruitment, and uphold UNHCR’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and operational excellence in talent acquisition.

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, DM-Data analysis, HR-HR Policies-Trends/initiatives/best practices in UN Common Syst, public&private sectors, HR-HR Policy Development and Coordination, HR-Workforce Engagement Strategies and Programmes, SO-Networking

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration

Certifications

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance