UNICEF Seeks People and Culture Manager for Geneva Office
UNICEF is recruiting a People and Culture Manager (HR Manager), P-4, for a Temporary Appointment based in Geneva, Switzerland. The application deadline is 14 November 2025, West Europe Standard Time.
The position is part of UNICEF’s ongoing Headquarters Efficiency Initiative (HQEI) and plays a vital role in supporting staff during the transition. This includes ensuring that organizational change is implemented in a people-centered, effective, and transparent manner.
About UNICEF
Operating in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF is dedicated to saving children’s lives, defending their rights, and helping them realize their full potential. With nearly seven decades of service, UNICEF focuses on child health, education, protection, and development. The organization is driven by the conviction that every child deserves a fair chance at life.
UNICEF offers a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging professional development and offering competitive compensation packages to its global workforce. Learn more about their mission and impact on the UNICEF website.
Position Purpose
The People and Culture Manager will lead the Staff Support Unit (SSU), a team designed to assist employees amid organizational restructuring. This role ensures staff receive timely guidance and support while fostering a culture of transparency, empathy, and engagement across UNICEF’s headquarters locations, including Geneva and New York.
Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP), the HR Manager will be instrumental in managing change, guiding communications, and enhancing the overall staff experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the SSU: Oversee day-to-day operations of the Staff Support Unit, ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Staff-Centered Support: Offer strategic advice on HR policies, career transitions, and organizational changes linked to the HQEI.
- Coordinate Stakeholders: Work closely with HR section chiefs, divisional leaders, and support networks to align efforts and maintain consistency.
- Develop Systems and KPIs: Create tools and indicators to monitor performance and streamline service delivery.
- Facilitate Communication: Maintain a clear flow of information between staff, leadership, and HR while escalating critical matters appropriately.
- Support Change Management: Design and implement practical HR solutions that align with UNICEF’s broader reform strategies.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Management, International Relations, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of eight years of progressive HR experience in large international organizations or corporations, including leadership roles and managing complex projects.
- Language: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in another UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is an asset.
Additional experience within the UN system or previous work with UNICEF is considered highly desirable. Familiarity with operations in development or humanitarian contexts is also beneficial.
Core Values and Competencies
UNICEF upholds the core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). Candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Builds and maintains partnerships
- Embraces change and innovation
- Drives for results and impact
- Thinks and acts strategically
- Manages complexity and ambiguity
- Leads and nurtures teams
- Works collaboratively across functions
For more, refer to the UNICEF Competency Framework.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
UNICEF is committed to creating a work environment that reflects the diversity of the populations it serves. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, religions, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds, including neurodiverse candidates and individuals with disabilities.
The organization provides:
- Reasonable accommodations during recruitment and employment
- Paid parental leave and breastfeeding breaks
- Inclusive and respectful workplace policies
UNICEF enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks, including verification of academic and professional credentials.
Conditions of Employment
Appointments are subject to medical clearance and, where applicable, visa issuance. Compliance with vaccination requirements, such as COVID-19, may be necessary. Offers may be withdrawn if conditions are not met in a timely manner.
Government employees must resign from their posts before joining UNICEF. As part of its international employment model, mobility is a key condition for professional staff, and flexible working arrangements are encouraged to support collaboration across time zones.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply before 14 November 2025. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Internal candidates at the appropriate level may be considered without external competition.
UNICEF does not charge any fees or request banking information at any stage of the recruitment process.
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