Stretch Assignment- Human Resources Specialist, P2/P3, Abuja Nigeria

Stretch Assignment: Human Resources Specialist, P2/P3, Abuja Nigeria

Title: Human Resource Specialist
Level: P2/P3
Reports to: Chief, Human Resources
Duration: 3 months
Section: Human Resource Section
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Dates/Duration: Stretch assignment from 15 January 2026 until 15 April 2026
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.

Background

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy, and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children's rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society's most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — will not only give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while supporting nations' equitable development.

Purpose of the Position

Under the supervision of the Chief of P&C, this stretch assignment provides an opportunity for a technically strong HR Specialist to expand their strategic and operational contributions. The staff members on stretch will deliver high-quality, client-focused HR services, anticipate and address workforce needs, and support the design of innovative HR solutions that strengthen the office's ability to achieve its programme and organizational priorities.
The staff will serve as a trusted advisor to client teams, driving innovative, solution-oriented HR practices that enable the office to deliver on its mission. By shaping data-informed HR strategies, and ensuring high-quality end-to-end HR services, the Specialist plays a pivotal role in strengthening a resilient, high-performing, and people-centered workplace culture.

Duration
This stretch assignment will be for a period of three (3) months.

Key expected results:

• High-quality HR advisory provided to assigned client portfolios with response times meeting service-level expectations.
• Documented HR guidance provided to managers on recruitment, performance, contract management, and workforce issues, with at least 90% of cases resolved within agreed timelines.
• End-to-end recruitment processes for assigned posts completed within 30-60 days.
• At least one identified recruitment bottleneck resolved through process simplification or improved stakeholder coordination.
• At least one HR process improved or redesigned, resulting in clearer guidance, reduced processing time, or enhanced client experience.
• Knowledge-sharing products developed (e.g., FAQ sheet, guidance note, quick reference tool) and disseminated to the HR team and clients.
• Lead on one significant HR project

Main Duties and Responsibilities.

• Serve as the primary HR focal point for the assigned client portfolio, providing timely, accurate and solutions-oriented guidance across all stages of the employment lifecycle.
• Provide accurate and timely advice to clients on HR processes and policies, ensuring the highest level of client-orientation.
• Proactively advise clients on the resolution of human resources issues ensuring equitable and transparent solutions that protect both the staff and organizations interests in accordance with policies, regulations and procedures.
• Liaise with the HQ Divisions and regional office to support and contribute to corporate HR strategy formulation and global implementation. Provide feedback and make recommendations on the establishment and improvement of HR systems, policies and processes.
• Monitor, benchmark, and research emerging HR best practices, contributing to the identification and introduction of innovative approaches that enhance HR effectiveness and employee experience.
• Provide expert support in various HR functional areas (e.g., recruitment, job classification, onboarding, performance management, career development, learning, workforce planning, HR analytics), ensuring high-quality and efficient service delivery.
  
• Manage assigned HR casework by analyzing issues, interpreting applicable policies and guidelines, and recommending appropriate actions or solutions.
  
• Contributes to the mapping of competencies for all staff in assigned client portfolio, assisting in the development of a comprehensive framework in support of the development of the talent pipeline.
  
• Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.
  

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

An Advanced University Degree in human resource management, business management, international relations, psychology or another related field is required.
 
 Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation is required.
 
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.
Strong experience in conducting end-to-end recruitment processes is required.
 
Strong skills in communication (both written and verbal), drive for results, and teamwork.
 
Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
 
Highest level of integrity, confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment.
 
Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Funding arrangement
This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member's status (position number, level, etc.).

The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 30 days, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.

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