HR Officer
- Organisation: WHO - World Health Organization
- Location: France-Lyon
- Deadline: 19 November 2026
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The Department of Human Resources and Talent Management (HRT) is responsible for providing a sound, well managed, responsive and efficient organization-wide Human Resources Management strategy and global HR advisory services which support the work of WHO and its member states, encompassing, but not limited to - HR Policy Development, Organizational Design and Job Classification, Talent Acquisition and Management (including Succession Planning, Global staffing, Career Development and Training, Rotation and Mobility), application of the UN Common system's Compensation and Benefits, HR Legal Advisory Services, Administration of Justice, Global Staff/Management relations, representation of WHO in inter-agency UN Common System HR initiatives.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the supervision of the technical lead, the incumbent is responsible for supporting specialized mechanisms and associated HR processes. The incumbent performs some or all of the following duties:
- Management of specialized mechanisms - Support the day-to-day implementation of assigned specialized mechanisms and programmes, ensuring that related HR and programme-related financial services and processes are delivered in a timely, accurate and compliant manner.
- Serve as the focal point for assigned mechanisms, providing guidance and advice to participants, managers, internal counterparts and external partners on policies, procedures, conditions of service and administrative requirements.
- Initiates and follows through on the full range of actions related to the administration of assigned mechanisms, including planning, processing, monitoring and closure of cases.
- Review and analyze individual cases to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance with applicable rules, regulations and established procedures, and escalate complex issues where required.
- Advisory, coordination and stakeholder management
- Participates in providing technical input and briefing to managers, staff, non-staff and external stakeholders on the implementation and administration of specialized mechanisms.
- Liaise closely with relevant teams in HRT, Finance, the Global Service Centre, Regional Offices and external partner entities to coordinate actions, resolve issues and ensure smooth case handling.
- Prepare correspondence, briefing notes, case summaries and recommendations for review and decision- making by the supervisor or other stakeholders.
- Monitoring, compliance and reporting Monitor implementation of activities under assigned mechanisms to ensure timeliness, compliance and consistency of approach.
- Produce reports, statistics, dashboards and analytical summaries to support planning, finances, oversight, monitoring and decision-making.
- Identify process gaps, recurring issues and operational risks, and recommend improvements to strengthen service delivery, efficiency and compliance. Planning and process improvement Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of specialized mechanisms and related workflows.
- Support the development, update and application of standard operating procedures, guidance materials, templates and internal controls.
- Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness, consistency and client orientation of the specialized mechanisms under the team's responsibility.
Other duties:
Perform all other related responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping within the team as required to ensure continuity of services.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: A first level university degree in human resources management, business or public administration, behavioral sciences (e.g. psychology) or other closely related fields.
Desirable: Advanced level university degree or training in one of the above-mentioned areas or professional certification in human resources management.
Experience
Essential:
At least two years of professional experience in human resources management, including experience in recruitment, HR operations, administration of HR programmes or talent initiatives, and financial management activities such as budgeting, cost monitoring, financial analysis or reporting.
At least two years of experience in providing HR input, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, and managing individual cases.
Demonstrated experience in identifying, implementing or promoting innovative digital solutions, including AI-enabled tools, to modernize ways of working, improve process efficiency, enhance data-driven decision-making and strengthen service delivery.
Desirable:
Experience in human resources management in the UN system and/or a multinational environment would be an asset. Experience managing young professionals’ programmes and talent pipelines.
Experience in the use of ERP and HR management systems such as Oracle, Workday or similar platforms would be an advantage.
Demonstrated exposure at the international level.
Skills
Demonstrated knowledge of human resources management principles and practices, with solid expertise in recruitment, HR operations, interpretation and application of staff rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and the provision of sound HR advice to managers, staff, non-staff and external stakeholders. Strong analytical skills with the ability to review and assess individual cases, identify issues and risks, and recommend appropriate courses of action in a client-oriented and solutions-focused manner. Strong skills in monitoring and ensuring compliance, managing multiple cases and deadlines, preparing reports, statistics, dashboards, correspondence and briefing materials, and coordinating actions across internal and external stakeholders. Working knowledge of AI tools to enhance administrative efficiency, ensuring responsible use and compliance with organizational, ethical, and data protection standards. Excellent proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and other standard office applications, together with sound knowledge of ERP and HR management systems such as Oracle, Workday or similar platforms. Tact, discretion, emotional intelligence and sound judgement are essential, as is the ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and professionalism.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Producing results
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
REMUNERATION
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 56,046 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2195 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.
- The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
- Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
- Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated
by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.