Senior Human Resources Associate

UNHCR Ethiopia is recruiting a Senior Human Resources Associate (GS‑7) for a General Service appointment in Assosa Sub‑Office, Benishangul‑Gumuz Region, starting April 2026. This full‑time role is critical to supporting HR operations in a hardship duty station, ensuring effective recruitment, personnel administration, performance management, and staff welfare. The position requires strong HR management skills, confidentiality, and the ability to adapt to complex operational contexts. Candidates must demonstrate resilience, analytical ability, and proficiency in HR systems to deliver timely and accurate HR services that support UNHCR’s mission in Ethiopia.

About UNHCR Ethiopia

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects and assists refugees and displaced persons worldwide. In Ethiopia, UNHCR supports large refugee populations across multiple regions, including Assosa, through protection, humanitarian assistance, and durable solutions. The agency operates under UN Charter principles, UN Staff Regulations, and UNHCR’s policies, ensuring professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Job Overview

The Senior Human Resources Associate provides operational HR support to UNHCR’s Assosa Sub‑Office. Reporting directly to the Head of Sub‑Office, the incumbent manages recruitment, appointments, performance management, and staff welfare.

The role also involves workforce planning, HR policy implementation, and ensuring compliance with UNHCR’s administrative rules. The incumbent safeguards sensitive HR information, supports organizational culture change, and contributes to staff wellbeing in a hardship duty station.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer recruitment, assignment, and separation of local staff.
• Update personnel records and manage HR systems.
• Support workforce planning and talent acquisition.
• Coordinate recruitment processes and prepare submissions for review.
• Advise staff on rights, obligations, benefits, and entitlements.
• Provide onboarding, induction, and off‑boarding support.
• Assist in implementing HR initiatives promoting inclusion and diversity.
• Participate in local salary surveys and inter‑agency HR fora.
• Administer medical insurance plans and support duty of care.
• Maintain staff tracking records for emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with UNHCR HR policies and UN staff rules.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• High School Diploma with 4 years relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree with 2 years relevant experience.

Work Experience

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

Technical Skills

• IT‑Computer Literacy*
• HR‑Talent Development and Nurturing
• HR‑Employee Relationship Management
• UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules and Procedures*
• HR‑Local mass recruitment*

Soft Skills

• Analytical thinking, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork.

(*Essential skills as per UNHCR standards)

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience with HR IT systems (Workday, EVOLVE, Cloud ERP).
• Familiarity with UN recruitment and assignment policies.
• Experience in multicultural settings and hardship duty stations.
• Strong analytical and planning skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications.

Duty Station Work Location

• Primary Location: Assosa Sub‑Office, Benishangul‑Gumuz Region, Ethiopia
• Work Mode: Onsite, hardship duty station (non‑family assignment)

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 submit applications through the official UNHCR recruitment portal before February 15, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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