Senior Human Resources Associate

Senior Human Resources Associate Job Vacancy – UNHCR Ethiopia 2026

UNHCR is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Senior Human Resources Associate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, starting in 2026. This General Service position (GS7) offers Ethiopian nationals the opportunity to contribute to UNHCR’s People Strategy and support its mission of protecting persons of concern. The role involves operational HR support, workforce planning, recruitment, and personnel administration. With a focus on compliance, inclusivity, and organizational culture change, this vacancy is ideal for professionals with strong HR backgrounds who are motivated to work in a dynamic humanitarian environment.

About UNHCR

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting and assisting refugees, displaced persons, and stateless individuals. UNHCR’s Human Resources Division plays a strategic role in enabling the organization to attract, retain, and develop a diverse workforce while fostering a culture of respect, wellbeing, and excellence.

Job Overview

Position: Senior Human Resources Associate
Employment Type: Regular Assignment, General Service (GS7)
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Senior Human Resources Associate will report to the HR Officer or another senior HR staff member. The incumbent will provide operational HR support, manage personnel administration, and assist in workforce planning and recruitment activities. The role includes supervising junior staff and working independently on routine assignments with oversight from the supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement HR operational activities and ensure timely HR solutions.
• Administer recruitment, assignment, and separation of local staff in line with UN/UNHCR rules.
• Update personnel records and manage HR information systems.
• Coordinate recruitment processes, including vacancy notices and screening.
• Prepare submissions for review by the Assignments Committee.
• Organize outreach campaigns to attract diverse applicants.
• Advise staff on rights, obligations, benefits, and entitlements.
• Support onboarding, induction, reintegration, and offboarding processes.
• Identify workforce issues, including harassment and abuse of authority, and support organizational culture change initiatives.
• Participate in inter-agency HR surveys and fora.
• Assist in security and medical evacuations, maintaining staff tracking records.
• Administer medical insurance plans for locally recruited staff.
• Support risk identification and management in HR operations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• High School Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Certificates in Business Administration, Office Management, or Human Resources Management (essential).

Work Experience

• Experience in Human Resources.
• Knowledge of HR policies, processes, and systems.

Technical Skills

• Computer literacy.
• Talent development and nurturing.
• Employee relationship management.
• Knowledge of UN/UNHCR administrative rules and procedures.
• Local mass recruitment experience.

Soft Skills

• Analytical thinking, adaptability, and planning skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Client orientation and commitment to continuous learning.
• Organizational awareness and accountability.

Preferred / Additional Qualifications

• Experience with HR information technology systems and tools.
• Familiarity with UNHCR recruitment and assignment policy.
• Experience in multicultural settings and with the United Nations.
• Field experience in humanitarian operations, including hardship duty stations.
• Strong analytical skills for HR data interpretation and workforce planning.

Duty Station / Work Location

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Onsite

Salary & Benefits

Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance with the organization’s pay scale and Ethiopian labor standards.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the UNHCR recruitment portal.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of background, promoting fair employment practices in Ethiopia.