Senior HR Officer – Payroll

About the role

The Senior HR Officer (Payroll) will lead UNRWA's agency‑wide payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant processing for all staff categories. This senior position reports to the Manager, People Analytics, Payroll and Systems and provides technical supervision to staff.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end payroll processing for Area Staff, International Staff, contractors, consultants and off‑cycle payrolls.
• Design, enhance and automate payroll systems, coordinating digital transformation projects across SAP REACH, E‑Service Portal, ETM, BVU and other HR platforms.
• Plan, test, implement and monitor change requests, system upgrades and new payroll functionalities, including UAT and post‑deployment support.
• Act as the primary liaison between Human Resources, Finance, DITID and Field Offices to resolve payroll issues and ensure smooth system integration.
• Identify payroll anomalies, conduct root‑cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive measures to maintain data integrity and auditability.
• Develop and implement standardized HR process management frameworks and automated workflows.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in payroll management and HR systems within large, multi‑national organisations.
• Proven ability to lead digital transformation and automation initiatives.
• Strong coordination skills across HR, finance and IT functions.
• Senior‑level expertise with a focus on accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement.

Required skills

• SAP (REACH) payroll module
• HRIS and payroll system automation tools
• Change management and UAT processes
• Data validation, reconciliation and audit procedures

What we offer

• Opportunity to make a tangible impact for vulnerable Palestine refugees.
• Work within the largest UN operation in the Middle East.
• Professional development in a humanitarian context.