VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Human Resource Officer

Organization: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) – Malawi Country Office

Application Deadline: 22nd June 2026 (South Africa Standard Time)

Advertised: 8th June 2026

About the Role

UNICEF is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking and committed professional to join its team as a People and Culture Officer. In this exciting role, you will support the implementation of the People and Culture Strategy (2026–2029) and deliver a people-centered workplan aimed at fostering an enabled, motivated and high-performing workforce.

You will play a key role in enhancing the efficiency of people and culture processes, fostering a positive workplace culture and employee experience, advancing data-driven talent management, and positioning UNICEF as an employer of choice. The role also offers the opportunity to support multiple emergency response efforts, making a meaningful contribution to UNICEF's mission for children.

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity to join our dynamic People and Culture (P&C) team. Under the guidance of the People and Culture Specialist, you will support the overall delivery of the P&C workplan and provide services through strong technical expertise and a client-focused approach.

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in delivering a broad range of generalist people and culture services, managing end-to-end employee lifecycle matters, providing timely, people-centered guidance, ensuring fair, practical and policy-compliant solutions and supporting emergency response. You will help drive efficiency across P&C processes, strengthen workplace culture and employee experience, champion change, promote talent and performance management, and advance agile, innovative, and best-fit practices. The role spans, but is not limited to, business partnering, strategic P&C support, service delivery, learning and capacity development, and workforce analytics.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in Human Resources Management, Business Management, International Relations, Psychology, or any other related fields

Work Experience

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in Human Resources, human resources management, workforce analytics, onboarding, staff engagement, staff experience, performance management, performance recognition, talent development, learning, career support, mental health, offboarding, project management, or any other related field

Skills

• Strong technical knowledge of human resources management principles and practices
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound guidance and advisory support to staff as an HR business partner
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify and assess issues, draw sound conclusions, and make practical recommendations
• Ability to think critically, innovate, and apply creative problem-solving to a broad range of P&C issues
• Ability to embrace and manage change effectively, including taking calculated risks when appropriate
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and deliver effective presentations
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build productive, collaborative, and healthy working relationships
• High level of discretion, sound judgment, and maturity in handling confidential information and sensitive matters, including concerns and grievances
• Strong professionalism, technical proficiency, and commitment to client service

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required

Desirables

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language
• Background and/or familiarity with emergencies are considered a strong asset
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts

UNICEF Core Values (CRITAS)

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

UNICEF Competencies Required

1. Builds and maintains partnerships
2. Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
3. Drive to achieve results for impact
4. Innovates and embraces change
5. Manages ambiguity and complexity
6. Thinks and acts strategically
7. Works collaboratively with others

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/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. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.

Safeguarding and Zero Tolerance Policy

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities.

UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Important Remarks

• 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
• UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes
• Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. All staff can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response
• This position is at the national officer level. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category
• 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

How to Apply

To apply for this job please visit jobs.unicef.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.