UNICEF is hiring a People and Culture Specialist at P-3 level in Geneva, Switzerland, on a Fixed Term Appointment (job no. 596814, position #135273). The post is embedded in the Digital Inclusion Section of the Digital Impact Division, and applications close on 25 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy notice and set out each function, requirement and condition below.
Key Facts About Job 596814
🔢 Job number: 596814
🏷️ Position number: #135273
📄 Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
🏅 Level: P-3
📍 Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
🗂️ Category: Human Resources
🏢 Division and section: Digital Impact Division, Digital Inclusion Section
👔 Reports to: People and Culture Manager, Digital Impact Division
Working for Every Child at UNICEF
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. The organisation describes promoting the rights of every child as not just a job but a calling, and says it is committed, passionate and proud of what it does for as long as it is needed.
UNICEF presents itself as a place where careers are built, offering staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. It welcomes everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
This vacancy is published under the heading "For every child, the right to Digital opportunities".
The Digital Impact Division's Mission
The Digital Impact Division (DID) is at the heart of reshaping how UNICEF delivers lasting results for children. It is 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. Together they 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
The Strategic Enablers pillar is a core element of UNICEF's Digital Impact Strategy and acts as the structural backbone of the division. It brings together these key enablers to create an integrated ecosystem for sustainable digital impact:
🧑 People and Culture
📶 Digital Inclusion
📣 Communications
⚙️ Operations
🤖 Artificial Intelligence
The People and Culture Team plays a pivotal role in the strategy by developing a digitally skilled workforce through career pathways, continuous learning and capacity-building initiatives, so that UNICEF staff can effectively leverage emerging technologies and support digital transformation.
Where This Post Fits: The Digital Inclusion Section
The People and Culture Specialist reports to the People and Culture Manager in the Digital Impact Division 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.
Autonomy and Collaboration in the Role
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.
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🌍 All opportunities in Switzerland →
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Key Functions and Accountabilities
The notice lists five areas of accountability for this post.
🤝 Business partnering
♟️ Strategic human resources
🛠️ Implementation of assigned human resources services
📚 Learning and capacity development
📊 HR data analytics
Delegated Authority and Acting Role
The Specialist 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
📤 Escalates 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 complete job description, titled JD_People and Culture Specialist_P3, is referenced in the vacancy notice for anyone who wants to know more about the position.
Education and Work Experience Required
🎓 Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Human Resources Management, Psychology, Business management, International Relations, Organizational Development and any other related fields.
⏱️ Relevant experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation is required.
🗺️ Complex settings: Two years of human resources experience in regional, divisional headquarters, or a similarly complex organizational role providing advice across multiple teams, offices or business areas.
🌳 Independent working: 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 UNICEF Expects From Candidates
🏗️ 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and confidentiality: Demonstrates integrity, discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive matters, maintaining professional independence and building trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
🧗 Autonomy and leadership in ambiguity: Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, navigate ambiguity, and assume delegated management responsibilities when required.
🗣️ Communication and 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 and delivery: Strong planning and organizational capabilities, managing competing priorities, adjusting quickly, and maintaining reliable delivery in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
🖥️ HR systems and tools: Knowledge of human resources information systems and talent management systems with proficiency in Microsoft 365.
Language Requirements
🔤 Fluency in English is required.
💬 Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is desirable.
Desirable Experience for This UNICEF Post
👥 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 development, talent mobility, succession planning or workforce development initiatives
💻 Experience working in a digital, technology-focused, innovation-driven or rapidly evolving organizational environment
🌦️ Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts
CRITAS Values and Required Competencies
UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything the organisation does and how it does it. Candidates are invited to get acquainted with the UNICEF Values Charter.
The competencies required for this post are:
🔗 Builds and maintains partnerships
🌟 Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
🎯 Drive to achieve results for impact
💡 Innovates and embraces change
🌀 Manages ambiguity and complexity
🔭 Thinks and acts strategically
🧩 Works collaboratively with others
Inclusion and Accommodation in Recruitment
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and says its global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of race or ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. Benefits mentioned in the notice include paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodation is provided throughout the recruitment process. Requests can be submitted through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage, and shortlisted candidates are asked to get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details so that arrangements can be made in advance.
The notice also states that UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative and welcoming workforce, and that eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply for this position.
Safeguarding and Background Verification
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). It has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, fraud, corruption and other forms of serious misconduct.
UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates undergo rigorous reference, safeguarding and background verification checks. Appointment, selection and continued engagement are subject to the satisfactory completion of all required checks, and selected candidates may be required to provide additional information and consent. These checks may include:
🔍 Verification of academic credentials and employment history
🗄️ Screening against relevant United Nations misconduct databases
📨 Requests for misconduct disclosures from current and former employers, professional associations, other relevant organizations and participating organizations under inter-agency safeguarding initiatives, including the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), where applicable
Selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Medical Clearance, Visa and Vaccination Conditions
🩺 UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.
🛂 Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF.
🧪 Appointments are conditional on the selected candidates' willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements, should UNICEF mandate it for personnel.
🚧 Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service.
↩️ UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
Other Conditions in the Vacancy Notice
⚖️ As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.
🏦 Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF.
🧳 Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
🚨 Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan, UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts, and therefore all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
📋 All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
🚪 An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal or external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
No Fees in UNICEF Recruitment
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection and hiring processes, including the application, interview, validation, appointment and training stages. UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information. Youth Works Hub explains the warning signs of a false vacancy in its guide on how to spot a fake offer.
You can find more roles with UN agencies and international organisations in the Jobs section on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the UNICEF People and Culture Specialist do?
The Specialist is the dedicated People and Culture partner for the Digital Inclusion Section, providing trusted advice and delivering people solutions that support business objectives and evolving workforce needs. The accountabilities cover business partnering, strategic human resources, assigned HR services, learning and capacity development, and HR data analytics.
Where is this UNICEF job based?
The duty station is Geneva, Switzerland. The post sits in the Digital Inclusion Section of UNICEF's Digital Impact Division.
What contract and level are offered?
This is a Fixed Term Appointment at P-3 level, listed under job number 596814 and position #135273 in the Human Resources category.
Who does the post report to?
The People and Culture Specialist reports to the People and Culture Manager in the Digital Impact Division. The role works with a high degree of autonomy while keeping the supervisor informed of key developments, risks and emerging issues.
What qualification is required?
A Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) is required in Human Resources Management, Psychology, Business management, International Relations, Organizational Development or any other related field.
How many years of experience do I need?
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 a regional, divisional headquarters or similarly complex organizational role providing advice across multiple teams, offices or business areas is also listed.
Which languages are required for the post?
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is desirable.
Is prior UN experience mandatory?
Experience working within UNICEF or the UN System is listed as desirable, not as a minimum requirement. The minimum experience refers to human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation.
Does the Specialist have delegated authority?
Yes, the Specialist provides HR management as a designated HRBP and People and Culture partner with delegated authority. When required, the Specialist also represents the People and Culture Manager to ensure continuity.
Will UNICEF help with a visa for Switzerland?
The notice states that issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. UNICEF may withdraw an offer without compensation if a visa is not obtained within a reasonable period.
What checks do selected candidates go through?
Selected candidates undergo reference, safeguarding and background verification checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Appointments are also subject to medical clearance.
Does UNICEF charge an application fee?
No, UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection and hiring processes and will not ask for applicants' bank account information.
Deadline
⏳ 25 November 2026 (W. Europe Standard Time)
Link
🖱️ Vacancy and application on UNICEF Careers: https://jobs.unicef.org/en-us/job/596814/
