Humanitarian Admin and Surge Consultant

UNFPA; Genf; Remote; CHF 50,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

UNFPA invites a Humanitarian Admin and Surge Consultant to support the HRD in rapid deployment, roster optimization, and end-to-end recruitment for field offices. You will handle onboarding, travel logistics, and ERP Buyer tasks while contributing to SHIELD program milestones.

The role requires solid English proficiency, excellent organizational skills, and experience in humanitarian settings. This is a fully remote assignment with 6 months duration, renewable based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in HR/IR or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of rapid recruitment or roster management in humanitarian contexts.
• Experience with HR databases and roster tools.
• Familiarity with UN admin processes, travel logistics, and Quantum ERP.
• Experience with UN agencies or standby partners is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Surge Deployment & Roster Management: deploy and roster short-term surge personnel, verify credentials, track availability.
• Operations, HR & Travel Support: onboarding, travel logistics, and security matters; support Buyer function in ERP.
• Data Tracking & Reporting: maintain deployment databases and generate reports for HRD leadership.

Skills

Recruitment

Roster management

Travel logistics

HR databases

Quantum ERP

Intercultural communication

Written communication

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in HRM / related field

Tools

Quantum ERP

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Job description

Humanitarian Admin and Surge Consultant
Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – Humanitarian Response Division (HRD)
Duty Station: Remote
Contract Duration: 6 Months (renewable subject to performance and funding availability)
Application Deadline: 18 October, 2026

About UNFPA & The Role

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Humanitarian Response Division (HRD) rapidly deploys specialized personnel to Country and Regional Offices during acute emergencies and protracted crises. As the Humanitarian Admin and Surge Consultant, you will support HRD’s surge operations by managing end-to-end recruitment, rapid deployment, roster optimization, and operational tracking of field-bound experts. This position contributes directly to the EU-funded global project Sexual and Reproductive Health In Emergencies and Life in Dignity (SHIELD) (Grant Agreement No. ECHO/ERC/BUD/2026/91000), ensuring life-saving technical assistance reaches emergency settings swiftly.

Key Responsibilities

1. Surge Deployment & Roster Management

• Coordinate the end-to-end rapid selection, matching, and short-term deployment of internal and external surge personnel to field offices.
• Maintain, update, and audit the Humanitarian Surge Roster; screen candidate profiles, verify technical credentials, and track availability.
• Serve as the operational liaison for deployed experts, Regional Offices, and Country Offices to resolve bottlenecks and coordinate mission extensions.

2. Operations, HR & Travel Support

• Coordinate fast-track onboarding, security clearances, travel logistics, and briefing packages with HR, travel, and security focal points.
• Process travel requests in compliance with UNFPA policies for staff and HRD-sponsored travelers.
• Perform the "Buyer" function within UNFPA’s enterprise management system (Quantum).
• Support the Administration and Management Support Unit with HR policies and processes for Individual Consultants (ICs).

3. Data Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain deployment databases, track key performance metrics, and synthesize post-deployment evaluations.
• Prepare analytical reports and routine operational updates for HRD leadership.
• Execute ad-hoc operational tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in Human Resource Management, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience & Technical Skills

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in rapid recruitment, roster management, or emergency deployment operations within humanitarian or international development contexts.
• Proficiency with candidate tracking systems, HR databases, and online roster tools.
• Practical familiarity with UN administrative processes, travel logistics, and Quantum (or similar ERP systems with a Buyer profile) is a strong asset.
• Prior work experience with UNFPA, UN sister agencies, or Standby Partner organizations is highly desirable.

Competencies & Languages

• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced emergency settings.
• Excellent intercultural communication and writing skills.
• Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is an asset.

Working Conditions & Governance

• Duty Station: Fully Remote (no travel expected).
• Supervision: Reports directly to the Surge Manager under the overall guidance of the HRD Director.