Petroneilla Iyeleza
Budapest,BU
Summary
Strategic Business Partner with over 8 years of global experience in UNICEF and the UN system, specializing in human resource solutions for complex and high-risk environments. Demonstrated success in driving workforce transitions, organizational restructuring, and emergency staffing across Europe and Asia. Expertise in recruitment, performance management, and HR data analytics, with a focus on enhancing staff engagement and DEI outcomes. Proven ability to drive productivity and operational excellence through strategic HR planning and client engagement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
People & Culture Business Partner-P2
UNICEF ECARO
Budapest
01.2023 - Current
- Provide end-to-end HR advisory and planning support as an HR Business Partner to 10 Country Offices, 3 Refugee Response Offices (RROs), and 6 sections of the Regional Office, ensuring high-quality, client-focused guidance aligned with UNICEF policy.
- Deliver timely, accurate advice on staffing, entitlements, contract management, and policy interpretation to managers and staff, enhancing decision-making and compliance.
- Promote diversity, equity, and gender parity in workforce planning and recruitment initiatives across the regional portfolio.
- Liaise with HQ divisions, regional HR networks, and country offices to support the design and implementation of global HR strategies, contributing feedback, and innovative solutions to strengthen policy effectiveness.
- Lead research and benchmarking efforts to identify best practices in human resources management, influencing the development of regional HR systems, and corporate policy reforms.
- Support the delivery of HR services, including recruitment, classification, learning, performance management, and career development, with a focus on seamless service to attract and retain high-performing staff.
- Provided direct support to 38 separations, 10 reassignments, and 19 recruitments across Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, ensuring continuity of operations during office restructuring and transitions.
- Co-designed and rolled out learning and transition support plans, informed by a regional HR needs assessment, to address gaps, and build resilience among staff affected by structural changes.
- Spearheaded ECARO's first-ever Career Week, delivering CV clinics, application writing sessions, and interview coaching to over 90 staff.
- Facilitated structured learning sessions, including policy cascade trainings, for CO and RRO HR practitioners, enhancing capacity in policy interpretation and HR service delivery.
- Supported onboarding, induction, and knowledge-transfer mechanisms, including orientation briefings for new hires and reassigned staff.
- Conducted in-depth HR data collection and analysis to inform regional workforce strategies, contract management decisions, and policy reforms.
- Maintained a 90% response rate to HR queries within three business days, ensuring high-quality advisory service and staff trust in HR support systems.
- Developed and maintained HR data systems in coordination with COs, enhancing data accuracy, integrity, and decision-making efficiency.
People & Culture Business Partner - P1
UNICEF Regional Office of South Asia
Kabul
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Delivered day-to-day operational and strategic HR support to program and operations teams, strengthening the HRBP model within a complex emergency context.
- Conducted policy reviews and HR data analysis to support the HR Business Partner in providing evidence-based recommendations on workforce planning, staffing structure, and talent-related risks.
- Acted as a first-line resource for staff and managers, offering timely guidance on entitlements, contracts, onboarding, performance, and separation, ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures.
- Advised supervisors on case management, conflict resolution, and performance challenges, promoting fair and transparent resolutions in line with organizational values.
- Supported the roll-out of global and regional HR strategies, collaborating with HQ/RO to contextualize policies and good practices for local application in a high-risk duty station.
- Promoted gender equity and cultural diversity in HR practices, contributing to the country office's targets for inclusive recruitment and staff development.
- Identified HR process bottlenecks and provided feedback for continuous improvement in recruitment timelines, classification requests, and records management.
- Managed HR transactions across key areas, including recruitment, job classification, performance management, learning, and staff development, ensuring high-quality delivery and policy compliance.
- Reviewed and drafted TORS and vacancy announcements, screened candidates, and coordinated interview processes in collaboration with hiring managers and global talent groups.
- Facilitated onboarding and induction sessions for new staff, consultants, and surge deployments, contributing to smoother integration and increased staff awareness of rights and responsibilities.
- Prepared reports and briefing notes on staffing trends, vacancy rates, gender distribution, and performance compliance, contributing to evidence-based HR decision-making by senior management.
- Participated in inter-agency and regional HR knowledge exchanges, supporting organizational learning, and cross-office alignment on emerging practices and compliance standards.
Human Resources Associate- GS6
UNICEF
New York
08.2020 - 10.2022
- Managed end-to-end recruitment processes for GS to P-3 positions, managing five to seven cases monthly.
- Served as HR representative on panels, advising hiring managers on interview design and selection methods.
- Trained hiring managers and support staff on TMS and recruitment processes, enhancing governance and capacity.
- Drafted a realignment project timeline to clarify reporting structures, and managed job reclassifications post-mapping.
- Co-developed recruitment standard operating procedures and training manuals; ensured accuracy of alignment documentation.
- Designed and launched the GSS 2020 HR Action Plan and GCA Staff Support Strategy to foster inclusion and transparency.
- Supported implementation of Diversity & Inclusion workplan with targeted learning interventions.
People & Culture Consultant - P1 (equivalent)
UNICEF
New York
06.2016 - 08.2020
- Led global sourcing strategies and gap analysis for 12/13 emergencies, placing 38 candidates into the Emergency Talent Group.
- Designed the Humanitarian Questionnaire tool and managed internal outreach to identify and retain surge-ready staff.
- Managed all phases of the HPRE P4 Emergency Specialist GVA project, including stakeholder consultations, candidate reviews, and final reporting.
- Developed tailored communication, outreach plans, and screening tools to support the initiative.
Human Resources Intern
United Nations
New York
08.2015 - 04.2016
- Reviewed senior candidate profiles (PS-D2), supported global outreach events, and maintained regular communication with pipeline members.
- Built and posted job openings, conducted assessments, generated longlists for global peacekeeping missions, and managed intern recruitment for the DFS.
- Organized and maintained personnel records in a secure database.
- Maintained confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information relating to personnel files or organizational policies.
- Compiled reports on employee performance evaluations, attendance records, and training programs.
Legal Affairs Intern
Southern African Development Community
Gaborone
06.2014 - 07.2014
- Conducted legal research on member states' arbitration agreements, and diplomatic immunity laws.
- Conducted research on regional policies affecting economic integration efforts.
- Contributed findings to the SADC Summit tribunal discussion in the DRC, August 2014.
- Maintained project databases to track progress and activities effectively.
Desk/Office Attendant
State University of New York
Plattsburgh
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Managed confidential documents, processed travel forms, and served as point-of-contact for faculty and students.
- Delivered strong administrative support while balancing academic responsibilities.
- Assisted faculty and staff with daily operational needs and logistical support tasks.
- Organized office supplies and equipment to ensure efficient inventory management.
- Responded to inquiries from students and staff, providing helpful information quickly.
- Coordinated the setup of meeting rooms for events and classes, ensuring readiness.
Education
J.D. - SQE1 &SQE2 Solicitors Degree
University of Law
London, UK06-2027
Master of Arts - Political Science & International Studies
Long Island University
Brooklyn, New York , USA05-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Legal Studies
State University of New York
Plattsburgh, USA05-2015
Skills
- HR advisory and policy interpretation
- Recruitment strategy and workforce planning
- Performance management and data analysis
- Learning facilitation
- Client relationship management
- SharePoint site management
- Change management
Affiliations
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): ENFJ-A – 'The Protagonist'
Strengths in the human resource function
- Inspiring and values-driven communicator, adept at building trust with staff and leadership across all levels
- Emotionally intelligent facilitator intuitively supports employee needs, engagement, and well-being
- Highly organized and action-oriented, ensures HR processes are structured, timely, and people-centered
- Calm under pressure, navigates sensitive situations and high-stakes decisions with assertiveness and empathy
- Team-focused member and leader ,promotes inclusive, collaborative work cultures through coaching and constructive dialoguee dialogue
Certification
- CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Harvard University – expected December 2025,
- Data Science: Data to Insights, Harvard University – expected December 2025,
- Diversity and Inclusion in a Global Enterprise ( The Cultural Landscape), LinkedIn Learning – 2021
Languages
English
First Language
French
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
People & Culture Business Partner - P1
UNICEF Regional Office of South Asia
10.2023 - 02.2024
People & Culture Business Partner-P2
UNICEF ECARO
01.2023 - Current
Human Resources Associate- GS6
UNICEF
08.2020 - 10.2022
People & Culture Consultant - P1 (equivalent)
UNICEF
06.2016 - 08.2020
Human Resources Intern
United Nations
08.2015 - 04.2016
Legal Affairs Intern
Southern African Development Community
06.2014 - 07.2014
Desk/Office Attendant
State University of New York
08.2013 - 05.2014
J.D. - SQE1 &SQE2 Solicitors Degree
University of Law
Master of Arts - Political Science & International Studies
Long Island University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Legal Studies
State University of New York
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