People and Culture Specialist, P-3

UNICEF

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Contract type

• Fixed Term Appointment

Locations

Headquarters

• Switzerland

Functional Area

Operations

• Human Resources

Position level

• P-3

People and Culture Specialist, P-3, Fixed Term Position, #135273, Digital Impact Division - Digital Inclusion, Geneva, Switzerland

Apply now Job no: 596814

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment

Duty Station: Geneva

Level: P-3

Location: Switzerland

Categories: Human Resources

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 for as long as we are needed. 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 professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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

For every child, the right to Digital opportunities

How can you make a difference?

Digital Impact Division (DID) is at the heart of reshaping how UNICEF delivers lasting results for children. We are committed to harnessing the full potential of emerging digital technologies to advance UNICEF’s mission. DID works in close collaboration with regional Digital Impact teams and colleagues across headquarters divisions, regions, and country offices to leverage technologies and capabilities that accelerate progress on UNICEF’s goals, strengthen community resilience, and expand access to essential digital services and information.

The Strategic Enablers pillar is a core element of UNICEF’s Digital Impact Strategy, acting as the structural backbone of the division. This pillar brings together key enablers: People and Culture, Digital Inclusion, Communications, Operations and Artificial Intelligence to create an integrated ecosystem for sustainable digital impact. The People & Culture Team plays a pivotal role in the strategy by developing a digitally skilled workforce through career pathways, continuous learning, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure UNICEF staff can effectively leverage emerging technologies and support digital transformation.

The People and Culture Specialist reports to the People and Culture Manager in Digital Impact Division (DID), and is embedded within the Digital Inclusion Section, which supports governments and partners in advancing equitable and affordable digital access for children, schools and communities.

As the dedicated People and Culture partner for the section, the incumbent works with a high degree of autonomy, providing trusted advice and delivering people solutions that support business objectives and evolving workforce needs. The role requires close collaboration and regular consultation with the People and Culture Manager and the broader People and Culture team, while exercising sound judgement, discretion and independence in managing complex and sensitive people-related matters. The incumbent is expected to keep the supervisor informed of key developments, risks and emerging issues, while anticipating HR needs and developing strategic and practical solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

• Business partnering
• Strategic human resources
• Implementation of assigned human resources services
• Learning and capacity development
• HR data analytics

Delegated authority and acting role:

Provides HR management as a designated HRBP and People and Culture partner for the Digital Inclusion Section, with delegated authority. Exercises professional judgment to independently manage routine matters and decisions in line with agreed priorities and established HR policies, while escalating issues that fall outside agreed limits or require guidance or approval. When required, represents the People and Culture Manager to ensure continuity by coordinating priorities, guiding team members, and managing sensitive or time-critical matters within delegated authority.

The People and Culture Specialist is embedded within the Digital Inclusion Section, which supports governments and partners in advancing equitable and affordable digital access for children, schools and communities. As the dedicated People and Culture partner for the section, the incumbent works with a high degree of autonomy, providing trusted advice and delivering people solutions that support business objectives and evolving workforce needs.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: JD_People and Culture Specialist_P3

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Human Resources Management, Psychology, Business management, International Relations, Organizational Development and any other related fields.
• Work

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation is required. Two years of human resources experience in regional, divisional headquarters, or similarly complex organizational role providing advice across multiple teams, offices, or business areas. Demonstrated experience working with a high degree of autonomy, building trusted relationships with managers and staff, and managing people-related matters in a complex organizational environment.
• Skills:
• Strong People and Culture/HR expertise: In-depth knowledge of human resources management principles, frameworks, policies, and practices, with the ability to develop practical HR solutions and apply policies consistently and equitably in line with organizational priorities and the needs of managers and staff.
• Policy application & solution-oriented advisory: Ability to interpret and apply policies with sound judgement, communicate difficult messages constructively, and identify practical and compliant alternatives that meet organizational and client needs.
• People-focused innovation & problem-solving: Strong ability to identify improvement opportunities, apply creative and forward-looking thinking, and develop practical people solutions that respond to emerging workforce and business needs.
• Analytical decision-making: Ability to analyze complex, systemic issues; exercise sound judgment; and provide clear, practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• People management & influence: Proven skills in influencing, relationship-building, and trusted advisory support, establishing credibility with senior leaders and team leads, guiding others, and addressing difficult issues constructively.
• Change management: Experience supporting organizational transformation, including organizational change, restructuring, workforce transformation, and implementation of organizational design initiatives, with strong stakeholder engagement and resistance management.
• Integrity & confidentiality: Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive matters, maintaining professional independence and building trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Autonomy & leadership in ambiguity: Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, navigate ambiguity, and assume delegated management responsibilities when required.
• Communication & facilitation: Strong communication, facilitation, and engagement skills, adapting to diverse audiences, strengthening collaboration, and promoting a shared sense of purpose across teams and locations.
• Planning & delivery: Strong planning and organizational capabilities, managing competing priorities, adjusting quickly, and maintaining reliable delivery in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• HR systems & tools: Knowledge of human resources information systems and talent management systems with proficiency in Microsoft 365.
• Language

Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.

Desirables:

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language;
• Previous experience managing staff and leading or coordinating the work of others is a strong asset;
• Experience working within UNICEF or the UN System;
• Experience managing people and culture functions in a country office setting;
• Experience designing or implementing career devel