JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for Applications

December 9, 2025

Hardship Level

B

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

NOA

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-01-01

Standard Job Description

Assistant Human Resources Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Assistant Human Resources Officer will function under direct supervision of the (Senior) Administrative or Human Resources Officer. Incumbent will handle HR related activities within the country/ operation, and he/she may directly supervise, coach and guide locally recruited staff responsible for the personnel administration and other HR related matters. He/she will assist the (Senior) Officer responsible for Administration/ Human Resources in the process of staffing and budget reviews, recruitment and appointment of staff, and in the performance management and staff welfare issues. Incumbent will have close working relationship with the staff-related services in UNHCR, such as the Personnel Administration Section (PAS), Affiliate Partnerships and Recruitment Section (APRS). Assignments Management Section (AMS), Talent Development and Performance Section (TDPS), Staff Health & Wellbeing Service (SHWS) and Global Learning and Development Centre (GLDC).

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
– Provide input in the preparation of the annual operations programme review submissions, and in the review of the training needs of the staff, making appropriate proposals to meet identified needs.
– Advise and counsel staff members on their rights, obligations, benefits and entitlements in line with UN/UNHCR staff rules and regulations.
– Assist in timely advertising and filling of General Service and National Officer vacancies. Prepare submissions for the review by the local Assignments Committee (AC). Process recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
– Conduct regular audit and verification of personnel records in the office, including audit of MSRP entries into HR module, as well as of the attendance, overtime and leave records. Monitor maintenance of the daily tracking system to ensure accurate information is provided on staff and families in case of emergency. Provide support, guidance and training to all staff performing personnel administration and other HR related functions.
– Brief newly-arrived international staff on related administrative formalities; process and follow up on their accreditations and other related documents, and arrange for their onward travel to the field office, if applicable.
– Supervise administration of UNHCR medical insurance plan for locally recruited staff. Assist staff and dependants in case of medical evacuation.
– Assist in HR related activities of the security evacuation plan, ensuring relocations/evacuations are managed and administered in line with the provisions of the UN Security Management System Policy.
– Maintain liaison with the support sections and divisions at headquarters, specifically with DHRM, on matters related to the recruitment and personnel administration support, medical and other issues of staff welfare and safety.
– Enforce local compliance with the UN/UNHCR staff rules and regulations, as well as with the performance management system.
– Clear issuance and extension of contracts for locally recruited staff.
– Clear payments related to personnel issues such as settlement of travel claims, overtime claims, hazard pay, MIP reimbursements, medical and security evacuations, shipment costs.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
Minimum Qualifications
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Human Resources Management; Law; Administration; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Good knowledge of UNHCR administrative procedures and processes and exposure to provision of support services in an international organization.
Desirable
Knowledge of UN/UNHCR field operational realities, especially in hardship duty stations. Field experience with UNHCR and/or with other humanitarian organizations is an asset. High IT affinity and working experience of PeopleSoft/MSRP HR module, as well as with MSRP Financials and Focus.

Functional Skills
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
HR-PeopleSoft Human Capital Management
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
PG-Resource planning
FO-Operational activities in hardship duty stations
(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.
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

To succeed in this role, the ideal candidate must demonstrate not only strong functional HR competencies but also exceptional planning and organizing abilities. The position is set within a highly dynamic operational context marked by funding reductions, staff downsizing, the transition to projectized positions and affiliate workforce arrangements, as well as the gradual shift of selected HR processes from the country operation to Global Support Services (GSS). In this environment, the ability to proactively structure work, prioritize effectively, and maintain clarity amidst constant change is essential.

Strong coordination and negotiation skills are critical, as the role requires regular interaction with multiple stakeholders at various levels—including field offices, country office management, regional colleagues, and HQ divisions. The candidate should also bring excellent attention to detail, a high degree of accuracy, and the capacity to adapt quickly to new processes, policies, and evolving operational needs. A demonstrated ability to support and guide HR focal points in field locations is particularly important, given the operational diversity and varying levels of HR capacity in remote offices.

The incumbent must demonstrate initiative, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high standard of client service. Proficiency in Workday and a solid understanding of UNHCR HR policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks are required, along with proven experience in recruitment and selection, contract administration, and benefits management for affiliate workforce categories.

The position also entails responsibilities such as serving as Secretary to the Local Assignments Committee (LAC), contributing to the design and delivery of HR clinics, briefings, and guidance sessions, and supporting the preparation of presentations, broadcasts, and written instructions for staff and affiliate workforce members. Excellent English drafting skills are necessary to perform these tasks effectively. Prior experience in a complex or retrenching operation is considered a strong asset.

Candidates may be requested to undertake a written test as part of the assessment process.

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 this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

This position is based in UNHCR Country Office Islamabad. Within delegated authority, the Assistant Human Resources Officer (NOA) provides advice and support to managers and staff across the country on a wide range of human resources matters, maintains up-to-date awareness of HR policy developments, and supervises at least one member of the HR Unit.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the HR Officer (P3), the Assistant HR Officer will support the operation in the coordination, implementation, and administration of HR processes across operational, infrastructure, and business support areas. The incumbent will supervise and provide day-to-day guidance to the Senior HR Assistant (G5).

This role plays a key part in supporting the transformation of UNHCR’s operation in Pakistan, ensuring that HR processes and transactions related to staff and affiliate workforce categories are carried out in line with UNHCR’s People Strategy and evolving organizational requirements. The operation currently comprises 286 personnel, including 196 UNHCR staff members and 90 affiliate workforce (AWF) personnel located across country, field and sub-offices

Living and Working Conditions:

Not Required for NOP

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FO-Operational activities in hardship duty stations, HR-PeopleSoft Human Capital Management, PG-Resource planning, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: Law

Certifications

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance