Product Manager, HR & Payroll

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries to achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

UNOPS has operated as a self-financing entity within the UN system since 1994. Throughout this time, UNOPS has successfully delivered services to other UN entities as well as a variety of partners. UNOPS has, over the years, undertaken the delivery of increasingly complex engagements such as project implementation services for large physical infrastructure projects, multifaceted public health projects, and highly complex procurement assignments.

UNOPS is navigating a period of transformational change internally across all areas of the organization. Together with the steadily increasing size of UNOPS portfolio, UNOPS leadership structures, management practices, oversight mechanisms, as well as UNOPS ability to collaborate and manage knowledge, are being reshaped and improved through this process.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Process Innovation and Digitalisation Programme (PID) In order to increase its impact in the world, UNOPS is embarking on a Process Innovation and Digitalisation journey. The PID Programme is expected to last four years. Working closely with the UNOPS Information Technology Group (ITG), it will simplify the processes through which UNOPS delivers support in more than 80 countries, and introduce digital technologies and solutions to support the work of frontline teams and partners. It will also improve UNOPS’ collection and use of data, capacity for foresight, capacity for planning, knowledge management, and reporting.

Role of the Product Manager, HR & Payroll This position will be responsible for the introduction of state-of-the-art processes and automation solutions in the area of Human Resources. Under the supervision of the Director, Process Improvement and Digitalization Programme, the Product Manager will be responsible for leading a team managing all aspects of product delivery of a group of HR products throughout their lifecycle.

The key functions of the role include:

1. Leading the Product Team
2. Product vision
3. Requirements analysis and systems design
4. Collaboration and consultation

Functional Responsibilities

1. Leading the cross-functional Product Team - Coordinate and guide the team, promote teamwork and collaboration - Embed a spirit of learning and continuous development within the team - Set team priorities, objectives, work plans, and performance standards and measurements - Monitor implementation and oversee progress - Work closely with the IT Project Management and Support office to oversee accurate and realistic work plans - Ensure timely and client-focused services - Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

2. Product vision - Lead the development of HR products that best serve UNOPS frontline mission - delivering support to our projects and partners in a set of challenging contexts around the world - Coordinate activities across all stages of product management - Work to understand stakeholder needs and translate them into a product roadmap - Collaborate with other product managers to identify opportunities to further increase UNOPS’ efficiency - Encourage a culture of innovation within the team, constantly seeking opportunities for improvements and enhancements to the HR and Payroll systems. - Stay informed about the latest trends in HR technology and payroll systems, including regulatory changes, to ensure the product remains competitive and compliant.

3. Requirements analysis and systems design - Identify, document, and analyze essential business needs for HR and Payroll systems. - Analyze needs to align system requirements with organizational goals and document changes. - Innovate and refine HR and Payroll processes and data flows for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. - Engage with and empower business stakeholders to map current processes, identify inefficiencies, and propose improvements. - Offer advice on potential solutions - Produce comprehensive documentation outlining the business requirements, change benefits, and detailed specifications. - Work with relevant business units to ensure system designs comprehensively address all impacted processes and align with wider organizational objectives to maximize value delivery. - Oversee the development of training programs and materials for end-users to ensure successful adoption and efficient use of the HR and Payroll systems.

4. Collaboration and consultation - Develop and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including senior management, HR, payroll teams, and local offices, to gather comprehensive requirements and ensure broad support for initiatives. - Engage with business units to ensure HR and Payroll system enhancements align with overall business strategies. - Consult with regional and country offices to understand local needs and ensure global system compatibility. - Facilitate knowledge sharing between headquarters and field offices, promoting best practices in HR and Payroll management. - Gather feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to inform continuous improvement of HR and Payroll systems. - Ensure regional and country-specific requirements are considered in the system design and development phases. - Promote alignment between global strategies and local operational needs through active collaboration and consultation.

Impact of Results

This role impacts UNOPS capacity to deliver projects at country-level with increased effectiveness and efficiency.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education Requirements: - Master’s Degree, preferably in Human Resources management, Business Administration, Social or Behavioral sciences, Public Administration or other relevant discipline is required. - A Bachelor’s degree in combination with additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of master’s degree. - Secondary education in combination with additional six years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree

Experience Requirements: - Minimum 5 years of experience in processes relating to HR & Payroll or in Product Management is required - Minimum 1 year of experience in leading cross-functional teams is required - Minimum 2 years of experience in partnering with a broad range of stakeholders to understand business needs is required - Proficiency in identifying and documenting essential business needs for systems is required. - Strong understanding of software development processes and methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Kanban, etc.) is desired. - Knowledge of HR technology trends and regulatory changes, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation is desired. - Excellent communication skills and good IT understanding - Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements.

Language Requirements: - Full working knowledge of English is essential. - Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement - ICA Contract level: International ICA2 - ICS10 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.