HR Officer

Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance

Job Highlight

Lead global HR initiatives, shaping recruitment, policy, and people strategies to foster excellence in diverse international environments.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Not Required - part of GPO/NYPO

Job Specific Context

UNOPS has signed a Global Agreement with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to operationally support the implementation of their mandate through the provision of Human Resources services.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1997 to assist member states in their efforts to combat illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism, is one of the partners under UNTSS.

Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, UNODC operates globally to support the development and implementation of policies and programmes that address a wide range of issues, including drug trafficking and abuse, organized crime, corruption, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, cybercrime, and terrorism prevention. Through research, policy advice, capacity‑building, and technical assistance, UNODC works to strengthen justice systems, promote international cooperation, and uphold the rule of law and human rights in the fight against transnational threats.

Under the direct supervision of the HR specialist, the Human Resources officer delivers high-quality effective HR services to the UNODC field Units located in Africa, Europe and Asia including recruitment and contract management to the client office, ensuring full compliance with UN rules and regulations, UNOPS policies and procedures and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in HR management. Under the guidance of the supervisor, the HR Officer provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex HR issues in a collaborative, client-oriented manner.

The incumbent will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

These Terms of Reference are generic and indicative. Not all tasks listed may be required, and additional duties may be assigned as appropriate and consistent with the scope of services.

The focus of the HR Officer’s functions will vary based on the Unit’s needs.

This recruitment aims to fill an ongoing, full-time position. Depending on actual needs, the hiring unit may decide to recruit endorsed qualified professionals for contracts with different working conditions (short/long term, part/full-time, retainer, regular or ongoing positions).

Role Purpose

The HR Officer ensures the consistent application of UNOPS HR policies, rules, and procedures across assigned countries/ geographic areas of operation. The role supports the effective management, implementation, and oversight of key HR service lines - such as recruitment, contract administration, policy interpretation, learning, and personnel realignment - in close coordination with stakeholders in the Regional Office and HQ, and in alignment with client needs.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Policy Development and Implementation Support

Contribute to HR policy development and corporate initiatives by providing data-driven insights on workforce trends, risks and opportunities, and by sharing country-specific best practices.

Maintain a strong understanding of the Office’s financial and operational priorities, and, in consultation with management, lead the implementation of corporate HR strategies and initiatives.

Design and lead HR projects and initiatives that align with corporate HR strategy and support the achievement of organizational goals.

Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement workforce planning initiatives that promote efficient service delivery and optimized workflows; monitor workforce status and emerging trends.

Communicate changes in HR policies and the rollout of new initiatives to both management and personnel, offering guidance and support as needed.

Maintain, or oversee the maintenance of, HR analytics a