Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sonia Vanegas

Human Resources Specialist (P3), LACRO
Panama City

Summary

More than 17 years of expertise in diverse People and Culture roles with United Nations, managing operations in the Caribbean, Colombia, El Salvador, Panama and Peru, with a focus on emergency preparedness and response contexts. As an HR Strategic partner, I have experience in change management, promoting equality and diversity, through strategic workforce planning, talent acquisition and career development of highly qualified candidates worldwide.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages

Work History

Human Resources Specialist (LAC Regional Office)

UNICEF
09.2023 - Current
  • Provide strategic advice on staff rules and regulations to management and HR staff in the Country Offices in Latin America and the Caribbean, under responsibility of the Regional Office.
  • Mentor and train People and Culture (P&C) teams on change management and standardization of HR best practices In the Region.
  • Closely follow up implementation of new HR policies in the region and process of change, particularly related to new ways of working for UN, under the current restructuring initiatives.
  • Oversight talent acquisition for International and National Officer positions for Country Offices.
  • Coordinate outreaching, recruitment and selection with Chief of Sections at Regional Office.
  • Coordinate the implementation of the Humanitarian Learning and Development Strategy in the Region, including the work plan to strengthen emergency preparedness and response by Section.
  • Closely provide HR support and advise to Haiti Country Office, due to the level L3 of emergency declared.
  • Under the leadership of the HR management, support the drafting of the Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) roadmap for the Region and deliver some workshops/meetings to draft the DEI roadmaps for the Country Offices.
  • Under the leadership of the Regional Chief of HR, deliver sessions in change management, the Support Staff strategy, and use of AI for career purposes.
  • Facilitate some conversation on change management and conditions of service for UNVs.
  • Facilitate recruitment of JPOs, in close coordination with the JPO section at HQ.
  • Liaise with the diverse sections at HQ on Learning and Development, Performance management, Recruitment Centre of Expertise (RCOE), talent development, among others.
  • Work closely with HQ on the workflow of final approval for Senior International Positions in the Region.
  • Act as Officer in Charge during absences of the HR Manager and the Regional Chief of HR (when required).

Ass. HR Officer

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
04.2022 - 08.2023
  • To lead the scale-up staffing process to set a new team of 18 people to work in resettlement in four months, including talent outreach, selection, recruitment, appointment and personnel administration.
  • To organize Sessions of Code of Conduct, team building and set frequent bilateral meetings with Head of Units and Head of Field Offices/Units on HR solutions related to performance management and workplace related issues to contribute and create synergy among teams and Units during 2022.
  • To consolidate the staffing 2023-2026 strategy and recommend HR solutions related to changes in positions focused on good people management practices, successions plans and a structured induction program as tools for strengthening national capacities since 2022.
  • To lead change among all staff and promote managers´ accountability and leadership for the successful implementation of the new HR system, Workday, and the implementation of 15 new HR policies, including the new performance management system and the new flexible working arrangements policies, during the second semester of 2022.
  • Provide advice and guidance to management and staff in the Country Office (CO) in Lima and the Field Offices on workforce planning, Human Resources solutions, H.R. policies and procedures and UN staff rules and regulations.
  • Coordinate and implement selection, recruitment, assignment and appointment of National, international staff and affiliates in close coordination with the management, The Americas Bureau, the APRS Unit and the Vacancy Management Unit at HQ, counterparts in UNOPS and UNV.
  • To identify risk areas in HR processes and implement standardized Human Resources procedures and practices.
  • Review the payment system in place for internships as per the UNHCR Administrative instructions and apply corrections as required.
  • Analyze and report in a bimonthly basis on trends and workforce composition to the Representative and The Americas Bureau.
  • Participate in a network among with HR colleagues of other UN agencies in Peru in order to harmonize implementation of HR policies and initiatives and share HR best practices.
  • Review salaries scales implemented for UNOPS individual contractors and align change of steps as per the UNHCR administrative instruction on affiliate workforce.
  • To standardize induction of new staff with all the units.
  • To advocate for tax exemptions (not in place currently) for international staff with the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Peru.
  • To lead analysis of structures and current staff costs to implement changes as per the reduction in budget for the Americas Region expected in 2023.
  • Supervisor's Name: Christian Carrillo/Margarita Vargas Angulo (retired)
  • Supervisor's Title: Deputy Representative
  • The supervisor may be contacted: Yes

HR Officer in Charge (Ass HR Officer grade)

UNHCR Multi-Country Office
03.2021 - 03.2022
  • Provide advice and guidance to management and staff in the Multi Country Office (MCO) in Panama and the Caribbean Region on workforce planning, Human Resources solutions, H.R. policies and procedures, UN staff rules and regulations.
  • Coordinate and implement selection, recruitment, assignment and appointment of National, international staff and affiliate workforce for the MCO Panama, Aruba and Curacao, Belize, Guyana, Nicaragua, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, in close coordination with the management, The Americas Bureau, the APRS Unit and the Vacancy Management Unit at HQ, counterparts in UNOPS and UNV and the UNHCR focal points in the Country offices.
  • To identify risk areas in HR processes and implement standardized Human Resources procedures and practices for the operations of the Caribbean under coverage of the MCO, in close coordination with the management, the Americas Bureau and in close collaboration with the different Country Offices.
  • Review current affiliates workforce structures in Aruba and Curacao, Belize, Guyana, Nicaragua, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago and advice on the right type of contracts to regularize staff under supervision of UNHCR but working with other UN agencies contracts.
  • Analyze and report in a bimonthly basis on trends and workforce composition to the Representative and The Americas Bureau.
  • Closely monitor compliance with UNHCR's Human Resources policies and procedures and the UN staff rules, regulations and UNHCR administrative instructions in the Offices under administration of the Multi-Country Office.
  • Prepare and Submit the HR planning for 2022 in COMPASS for the MCO Panama, Aruba and Curacao, Belize, Guyana, Nicaragua, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Implement Letter of Understanding with government in Panama through the recruitment of staff to be seconded under UNOPs contracts to strengthen eligibility determination processes.
  • Participate in a network among HR staff members in the region in order to harmonize implementation of HR policies and initiatives and share HR best practices.
  • Manage UNOPS´s Agreement and amendments for MCO and the Caribbean Region.
  • Guide on Code of Conduct sessions and follow up on Ethics with all the Country Offices under responsibility of the MCO.
  • Provide feedback to HQ on training needs in the Region.
  • Coordinated onboarding processes for new hires, integrating them seamlessly into the workplace environment.

Ass. Human Resources Officer

UNHCR
04.2020 - 02.2021
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of flexible arrangements schemes for work/life balance during teleworking due to the COVID19 restrictions.
  • Develop and coordinate leave plan and implementation of leave/telecommuting in combination with quarantine for international staff in need to return to Home countries.
  • Coordinate wellness activities for stress management during COVID19 pandemic, including mindfulness, health sessions and the implementation of mechanisms as informal small meetings (cafes on line) with multifunctional groups to identify needs and share good practices related to stress management/teleworking and family related situations.
  • Support the drafting and developing of the Back to office plan.
  • Advise staff members on rights, obligations, benefits and entitlements, and assist them in interpreting UN/UNHCR policies, staff rules and regulations.
  • Coach local and international staff on career development, focused mainly on International career development with UNHCR.
  • Coordinate the selection, recruitment, assignment and appointment of local and international staff, including affiliate workforce (UNOPS, consultants, International deployees and IUNVS, among others) under the framework of the scale-up plan of the operation of UNHCR in El Salvador.
  • Process local staff members' contracts, entitlements and benefits in accordance with Staff Rules and established HR procedures.
  • Coordinate extension of staff members' contracts and record of H.R. changes in MSRP.
  • Analyze, track and report on recruitment and assignments trends for management, including efforts to reach gender parity and incorporate diversity in all HR processes.
  • Update and introduce recommendations in organigrams and report on composition of the staff to The Multi Country Office in Panamá.
  • Provide on-boarding packages and induction to new staff.
  • Ensure that information on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Sexual Harassment, Code of Conduct is provided to all staff.
  • Prepare documents for HQ and the Regional Bureau for T.A. Positions or extension of current contracts.
  • Coordinate and submit staffing planning for 2021.

Senior Human Resources Ass. (T.A.)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2019 - 02.2020
  • Manage vacancy advertising, selection, recruitment, appointment and separation processes for UNHCR local staff, Temporary Appointments and International United Nations Volunteers (IUNVS).
  • Coordinating briefing and arrival arrangements for new recruited International staff and International United Nations Volunteers.
  • Provide guidance to local and International staff members on United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations and UNHCR Human Resources procedures.
  • Verify Human Resources information of local staff members in the MSRP/H.R. Module (PeopleSoft system to record UNHCR H.R. information) and provide information to UNHCR Field Offices, as required.
  • Check eligibility of all UNHCR drivers for good-driving practices and prepare request for HQ payroll.
  • Acting as Officer in charge of UNHCR HR Unit and coordinate HR Assistants and intern activities, in absence of the International Human Resources Officer.

Chief Operative Officer

Vortex Foundation
09.2018 - 11.2019
  • Manage the projects of the organization in Peru, México, Guatemala, Brasil and Colombia, among others.
  • Plan, administer and foresee resources, including staff and budget.
  • Establish cooperation agreements with Universities, NGOs, research institutes and think tanks to source and recruit new talent for projects worldwide.
  • Organize and follow up of conversation clubs and discussions for networking and collaboration purposes.
  • Manage the internship program.
  • Draft proposals for grants and look for funds worldwide.
  • Establish and maintain relations with International partners and donors.
  • Draft research documents and project reports.
  • Implement performance improvement measures for project staff and deal with anticipated termination legal issues.

Human Resources Officer

World Food Programme (WFP)
04.2017 - 09.2018
  • Draft and implement WFP Country Staff Wellness plan.
  • Liaise with the United Nations Developing Programme (UNDP) Implementation of local practices for Service Contracts personnel.
  • Advise local and international personnel regarding United Nations rules and regulations.
  • Administrate salary scales and implement annual increases.
  • Align staffing needs and Terms of Reference of the staff to the Country Strategic Plan and to the worldwide WFP priorities.
  • Onboard new staff.
  • Manage vacancy announcements, selection, recruitment and appointment processes for all staff.
  • Administration of staff under Fixed Term Appointments (FTA), WFP Services Contracts (SC), WFP Special Services Agreements Contracts (SSAs), Volunteers, international consultants and interns.
  • Manage performance evaluations and coordinate improvement plans.
  • Implement and administrate emergency scaling up staff plan to cover the humanitarian emergency in the border with Venezuela.
  • Follow up and implement reclassification of positions.
  • Manage conflict resolution in the workplace and scale misconduct to the respective instances.
  • Administrate leave for international and local staff.
  • Prepare monthly payroll.
  • Prepare and update staff rosters.
  • Follow up to completion of mandatory on-line training for all staff.
  • Develop team building workshops for all staff in the retreats as well as for specific Field Offices.
  • Coordinate workplan and activities of the Human Resources Assistants.
  • Participate in the country United Nations Human Resources working group.
  • Supervisor's Name: Douglas Mercado/Victoria Ginja
  • The supervisor may be contacted: Yes

Chief Operative Office

Vortex Foundation
08.2016 - 03.2017
  • Coordinate the operation and the implementation of the projects of the foundation worldwide.
  • Develop fundraising activities, including administration of cooperation agreements and drafting proposal for grants.
  • Manage selection, recruitment and induction and administration processes for project staff and interns.
  • Follow up of weekly activities of researchers and interns.
  • Provide guidance to project staff and interns regarding working papers.

Senior Human Resources Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
01.2010 - 07.2016
  • Provide guidance to local and International staff members on United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations and UNHCR Human Resources procedures.
  • Carry out sessions of Code of Conduct in the 11 UNHCR Field offices in Colombia and advise staff members on issues related to the UNHCR Code of Conduct, the UN Secretary-General's bulletin SGB/2003/13 and the formal mechanisms of support and advice for conflicts in the workplace as well as for cases of harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority in the workplace.
  • Manage vacancy advertising, selection, recruitment, conditions of service and separation processes for UNHCR local staff and affiliate Workforce in Colombia (National and International United Nations Volunteers, Consultants, Individual Contractors, Staff on secondment, Surge, Contractors under UNOPS and Interns).
  • Coordinate selection processes for International Staff members and drafting working and living conditions for International Staff assigned to Colombia.
  • Develop Team building workshops in the offices of UNHCR in the field and acting as focal point for training for UNHCR in Colombia.
  • Maintain close communication with UNHCR Headquarters in Budapest, Hungary regarding suitable interpretation and application of HR regulations and policies.
  • Lead the UN system-wide workplace Programme on HIV and organizing the respective learning sessions for the offices of UNHCR in Colombia.
  • Enter and update Human Resources information of local staff members in the MSRP/H.R. Module (PeopleSoft system to record UNHCR H.R. information).
  • Manage official documents, visas, and privileges and immunities for International staff members with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Human Resources Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
01.2007 - 12.2009
  • Provide guidance to local and International staff members on UN Staff Rules and Regulations and UNHCR H.R. procedures.
  • Train staff on the Performance Appraisal and Management System PAMS.
  • Conduct induction process for newly recruited staff.
  • Administrate leave requests (including home leave, sick leave, family leave, R & R) and compensatory time off.
  • Provide clearance to overtime payment requests for drivers.
  • Prepare first screening for vacancies of local staff, schedule interviews, and collect documentation of short-listed candidates.
  • Carry out sessions of Refresher of Code of Conduct for all offices of UNHCR and advise staff members on issues related to the UNHCR Code of Conduct, the UN Secretary-General's bulletin SGB/2003/13 and the local route for cases of harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority.
  • Maintain close communication with HQ in Budapest, Hungary regarding suitable interpretation and application of H.R. regulations on exceptional circumstances.
  • Follow up of all staff members Medical Clearances.
  • Prepare documentation to be sent to Appointment Committees, regarding selection of new local staff.
  • Submit annual requests of bonus for accident-free driving.
  • Administrate cleaning general service staff appointed through outsourcing.

Administrative Clerk

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
02.2005 - 12.2006
  • Manage flight reservations, tickets and hotel reservations, visas and issuing United Nations travel authorization forms (PT8s) for all staff.
  • Purchase and distribute stationary supplies for Branch Office and Field offices.
  • Coordinate driver's activities.
  • Coordinate logistic activities for meetings and especial missions of Headquarters managers and high representatives of United Nations donors and Implementing partners.
  • Update and maintain stationary supplies inventory.
  • Prepare documentation and drafting correspondence to DIAN (national Direction of Taxes in Colombia) to get VAT reimbursement.
  • Update staff leave plan for UNHCR in Colombia.
  • Support all Human Resources activities as required.

Clerk

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
12.2004 - 01.2005
  • Manage invoices, prepare documentation and draft correspondence to the National Direction of Taxes and-Customs (DIAN) to get VAT reimbursement.
  • Manage telephone calls and correspondence.
  • Service Client attention and orientation to people coming to UNHCR premises.
  • Draft correspondence as required.

Administrative Clerk

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
09.2004 - 10.2004
  • Administrate invoices, preparing documentation and drafting correspondence to the National Direction of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) to get VAT reimbursement for International United Nations staff.
  • Review and update Finance files for auditory purposes.
  • Maintain and update vouchers files.
  • Draft correspondence to the Field Offices as required.

Intern

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
08.2003 - 12.2003
  • Administrate invoices for Value Added Tax government reimbursements for United Nations staff.
  • Draft and prepare correspondence to the Colombian National Direction of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) to get VAT reimbursement.
  • Manage petty cash and invoice information.
  • Manage vouchers files.
  • Provide opportune administrative support to the administration Unit.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional De Colombia (UNAL))
07.1999 - 12.2004

Master of Science - Public Policy

Externado University of Colombia (Universidad Externado De Colombia)
08.2011 - 04.2017

Skills

  • Talent management
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Change management
  • Learning and Development
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Timeline

Human Resources Specialist (LAC Regional Office)

UNICEF
09.2023 - Current

Ass. HR Officer

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
04.2022 - 08.2023

HR Officer in Charge (Ass HR Officer grade)

UNHCR Multi-Country Office
03.2021 - 03.2022

Ass. Human Resources Officer

UNHCR
04.2020 - 02.2021

Senior Human Resources Ass. (T.A.)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
11.2019 - 02.2020

Chief Operative Officer

Vortex Foundation
09.2018 - 11.2019

Human Resources Officer

World Food Programme (WFP)
04.2017 - 09.2018

Chief Operative Office

Vortex Foundation
08.2016 - 03.2017

Master of Science - Public Policy

Externado University of Colombia (Universidad Externado De Colombia)
08.2011 - 04.2017

Senior Human Resources Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
01.2010 - 07.2016

Human Resources Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
01.2007 - 12.2009

Administrative Clerk

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
02.2005 - 12.2006

Clerk

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
12.2004 - 01.2005

Administrative Clerk

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
09.2004 - 10.2004

Intern

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
08.2003 - 12.2003

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional De Colombia (UNAL))
07.1999 - 12.2004

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Sonia VanegasHuman Resources Specialist (P3), LACRO