UNDP Is Hiring Human Resources Associate (NPSA-6) – Kuala Lumpur: Join A Global Shared Services Hub Supporting The United Nations Workforce

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of Human Resources Associate (NPSA-6) under a Roster Recruitment initiative, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This full-time opportunity is offered under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) for one year, with the possibility of extension, and represents a strategic role within UNDP’s Bureau for Management Services (BMS).

This position is ideal for experienced HR professionals seeking to contribute to international public service while working in a high-impact, fast-paced, and globally connected environment.

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Organizational Context: UNDP and the Global Shared Service Centre

As part of its mission to fight poverty and advance sustainable development worldwide, UNDP is committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency. In support of this commitment, UNDP adopted International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and established the Global Shared Service Centre (GSSC) to deliver high-quality transactional, advisory, and support services across the UN system.

Human Resources services within the GSSC were first established in Copenhagen in 2003 and have since grown into a centre of excellence, supporting over 40,000 UN personnel across agencies, funds, and programmes. Today, the GSSC operates through a decentralized yet coordinated model, with service centers in Copenhagen and regional hubs including Kuala Lumpur, Addis Ababa, Amman, Bangkok, Dakar, Istanbul, and Panama.

The Kuala Lumpur hub plays a critical role in proximity-based recruitment and HR administration, supporting UNDP offices and units while reporting directly to the GSSC headquarters in Copenhagen.

Role Overview and Purpose

Under the overall guidance of the HR Manager and direct supervision of a Team Leader, the Human Resources Associate ensures the transparent, accurate, and compliant delivery of HR services outsourced to the GSSC. The role supports the full HR lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, contract administration, benefits and entitlements, and knowledge management.

The HR Associate is accountable for maintaining integrity, consistency, and quality in HR service delivery while promoting a client-oriented and collaborative approach. Internal and external clients may include UNDP staff and personnel from other UN entities.

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Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support HR Strategies, Policies, and Compliance

Ensure full compliance of HR records and reports with UN rules, UNDP policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks.
Provide guidance on corporate HR strategies, policy updates, and contractual modalities.
Contribute to HR business process mapping and the development or updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

2. Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Services

Support end-to-end recruitment processes, including drafting vacancy announcements, validating job descriptions and TORs, screening applications, coordinating interviews, and finalizing selections.
Liaise with HR focal points across business units to ensure consistent recruitment planning and execution.
Manage candidate communications and maintain accurate recruitment records and databases.
Prepare submissions for the Compliance Review Board (CRB).
Contribute to recruitment analytics with a focus on gender parity and workforce diversity.

3. Personnel Contract Administration

Facilitate onboarding, contract issuance, extensions, and separations.
Administer benefits and entitlements in compliance with UNDP policies and accountability frameworks.
Verify and approve financial entitlements, salaries, and payments in coordination with payroll teams.
Maintain accurate workforce data and act as an internal advisor on HR practices.

4. Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes and improve efficiency.
Contribute to knowledge products such as SOPs, FAQs, training materials, and best-practice notes.
Conduct learning sessions for business units and participate in HR knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Secondary education is required; or
A university degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is an asset.

Experience

Minimum 6 years of HR experience with secondary education, or 3 years with a bachelor’s degree.
Experience in recruitment, benefits and entitlements administration, and HR service delivery.
Familiarity with shared services environments, ERP systems, and integrated HR platforms is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (written and spoken) – required.
Fluency in Bahasa Malaysia – required.
Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Core and Technical Competencies

UNDP seeks professionals who demonstrate strong results orientation, adaptability, continuous learning, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Technical competencies include expertise in recruitment design, assessment and selection, compensation and benefits administration, client management, digital literacy, and knowledge generation.

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UNDP’s Commitment to Ethics and Inclusion

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity across cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. The organization maintains zero tolerance for harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. All selected candidates undergo background checks and must adhere to UNDP’s ethical standards.

UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

Application Details at a Glance

Job Title: Human Resources Associate (Roster Recruitment)
Job ID: 30922
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Grade: NPSA-6
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement
Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)
Application Deadline: 21 January 2026

Why Apply?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UN system, supporting thousands of personnel worldwide while building advanced HR expertise in a global shared services environment. For HR professionals seeking international exposure, stability, and meaningful impact, this UNDP Human Resources Associate position represents an exceptional career pathway.