HR Associate

General Information
Position Title
HR Associate
Job Category
Human Resources
Duty Station(s)
East Jerusalem
Seniority Level
Associate
ICS Level
ICS 06
Contract Type
ICA - LICA - Support - Regular
Contract Level
LICA 6
Posting Start Date
12-Jun-2026
Posting End Date
18-Jun-2026
Duration
Open ended contract , Subject to availability of funds and satisfactory of performance
Job Highlight
Be at the heart of HR, ensuring seamless operations and providing vital support, expert guidance, and valuable services that empower our teams and strengthen partnerships.
About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Since the opening of the Jerusalem Office in 2006, UNOPS has significantly strengthened its

operations in Palestine. Our expert knowledge, skills and management systems contribute to the

sustainable development of public infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, including Area C and East

Jerusalem.

About the Project Office

UNOPS supports both humanitarian response and early recovery in Gaza. Currently, UNOPS support in Gaza focuses on key humanitarian enablers, including on access, via the Security Council-mandated UN 2720 Mechanism and the Access Support Unit (ASU), humanitarian fuel and energy, and mine action. Operations are envisaged to continue in the coming period with a focus in line with the UNOPS mandate: (i) infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, (ii) procurement and (iii) project management.

Job Specific Context

The HR Associate serves as the first contact for internal and external clients in resolving questions on processes and procedures and provision of guidance and information related to HR initiatives and services to a wide range of UNOPS personnels and clients.

Role Purpose

The HR Associate administers and implements a wide range of HR plans and processes that support Office personnel. Serving as the primary point of contact for internal and external clients, the HR Associate provides timely guidance, information and support on HR procedures, services and initiatives, ensuring consistent and client-focused service delivery.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Policy Development and Implementation Support

Collect, maintain, and continuously update data on workforce trends, risks, and opportunities to inform HR policy development and corporate initiatives.
Support the rollout and implementation of HR strategies and initiatives aligned with corporate objectives.
Generate workforce data and statistics to support planning, including personnel movement analysis.
Communicate HR policy updates and new initiatives to management and personnel, offering clarification and guidance where needed
HR Advice
Provide guidance on HR systems and processes, including recruitment, contract administration, position management, performance management, and benefits and entitlements in line with UNOPS rules and procedures.
Offer day-to-day advice to personnel on administrative processes and practices.
Act as a liaison between HR and internal/ external clients, proactively facilitating access to information and services as authorized.
Support a positive onboarding experience by ensuring the timely processing of onboarding documentation.
Advise supervisors and hiring managers on recruitment procedures, performance management, learning initiatives, and approaches to managing underperformance.
Support institutional gender and diversity efforts by advising on issues of equity, compliance, inclusion, and organizational values.

Talent Acquisition and Administration

Contribute to all stages of the recruitment and selection process, including requisition creation, longlisting, testing, interviews, reference checks, approvals, offer/rejection communications, and HR system updates.
Prepare and calculate fees for Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) personnel.
Advise UNOPS personnel, consultants, partners and project personnel on conditions of service and entitlements based on contract modality, ensuring a smooth and client-focused onboarding process.
Maintain recruitment plans, rosters and tools to support effective workforce planning and retention.
Coordinate with the Shared Services Centre (SSC) on personnel administration matters.
Research policy precedents and support the HR Lead in addressing talent acquisition issues, considering any applicable exceptions.
Submit transactional HR data in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other HR information systems, covering a range of functions including:
Recruitment and selection, e.g. requisition initiation, approvals, offers/ rejections, etc.
Contractual and position actions (e.g. appointments, extensions, separations, reclassifications, etc).
Ensure completion of HR processes (e.g. absence requests, performance evaluations, etc) by following up with supervisors and supervisees.
Establish and maintain tracking systems, alerting the HR Lead to pending actions and upcoming deadlines.
Maintain accurate personnel files and reference records.
Support or conduct payroll verification activities.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on HR topics.
Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from HR project implementation,
Conduct research on HR-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.
Skills
Data Analysis, Human Resources Policies, Human Resources Information Systems, Human Resources Operations
Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education Requirements

Required

Secondary school (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience OR
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in Human Resource Management (HRM) is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

Relevant experience is work in any area of Human Resource Management (HRM).
Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.

Desired

Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

Language Requirements
Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
Arabic Fluent Required
Additional Information
UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
For more details about the contract types, please click here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.