Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Manager

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Job Category:

This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members ( link ) are particularly encouraged for all positions.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Manager position in the Human Resources Division (HRD).

In 2000, the WTO Secretariat embarked on a project to adopt a new Human Resources Information System, Workday.  The project was implemented in two phases, Phase 1 and 2, with the first modules under Phase 1 (Recruiting, HCM, Absence and Medical, Payroll, Reporting and Analytics) going live in September 2021. Since then, Phase 1 module improvements have been undertaken, and Phase 2 modules (Learning, Talent, Advanced Compensation, Performance Management) have been progressively rolled out. The Performance Management module went live in 2024 and other modules under Phase 2 continue to be rolled out in 2025.

As HRD works towards stabilizing Workday, it seeks to bring on board an HRIS Manager to solidify the functional improvements made over the years, provide expert advice and technical support to end users, and strengthen the system governance and overall performance of Workday.

General Functions

Reporting to the Head of HR Operations, the HRIS Manager is responsible for ensuring that the HR Information system (Workday) runs smoothly, efficiently, and meets the needs of the organization. The HRIS Manager is expected to take a hands-on approach focused on system management, process improvements, reporting, and user support. The role requires working closely with cross-functional teams within HRD and across the Secretariat, including IT and other stakeholders, to keep the system optimized, user-friendly, and aligned with business needs.

The HRIS Manager is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and key point of contact for the Workday system. More specifically, the following functions will form part of his/her responsibilities:

1.         System Management & Optimization

• Maintain and configure Workday to ensure it supports HR operations effectively.

• Monitor and maintain system security, manage user access, and review role configurations and permissions.

• Stay on top of system updates and implement new features as needed.

• Identify opportunities where AI and automation can support/facilitate workflow processes and analytics.

2.         Data Management & Reporting

• Develop and manage HR dashboards and reports to produce HR metrics and analytics, and to support decision-making.

• Ensure data integrity and consistency across all HR functions.

• Work with teams across the organization to provide analytics and insights.

3.         User Support & Training

• Serve as the go-to expert for Workday, assisting HR and business users with system navigation and troubleshooting, and liaising with IT and external vendors as needed.

• Train HR staff and end-users on Workday functionalities and best practices.

• Develop user guides, templates, and other documentation to further enhance self-service.

4.         Process Improvement & Collaboration

• Partner with HR teams (Payroll, Recruitment, Benefits, Learning, etc.) to optimize system workflows and processes.

• Work closely with IT and other divisions to integrate Workday with other systems.

• Act as a key contact for system-related projects, ensuring smooth execution and stakeholder alignment.

5.         Vendor & Partner Management

• Manage the relationship with Workday’s support team and external service providers.

• Oversee vendor performance and ensure service-level agreements (SLAs) are met.

• Handle system-related contracts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

6.         Compliance & Governance

• Ensure system configurations and processes comply with organizational policies and regulations.

• Maintain audit trails and oversee data security protocols.

• Generate compliance reports for payroll, benefits, and other HR operations.

7.         Project Management

• Lead and support HRIS projects, including system upgrades, integrations, and new module implementations.

• Collaborate with HR, IT, and external vendors to deliver projects on time and within scope.

• Document workflows, timelines, and key project milestones.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

In addition to a basic university degree, an advanced university degree in Information Technology, Human Resources management or a relevant field is required. Alternatively, proven professional expertise equivalent to an advanced university degree may be considered.

Certification or proven experience in at least two of the Workday modules such as WD Human Capital Management (HCM), Recruiting, Talent Management, Compensation, Benefits, or Learning, is required.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of HR processes (e.g. payroll, benefits, compensation, etc).

• Strong hands-on experience with at least two of the Workday HR modules (Core HR, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting, Learning, Compensation, Talent, Performance, etc.).

• Expertise in Workday security administration  

• Experience with Workday integrations, including APIs, web services, and middleware solutions; familiarity with integration tools like Enterprise Interface Builder (EIB), Core Connectors, or Workday Studio.

• Proficiency in custom reporting, dashboards and analytics. Strong skills in Workday Report Writer and Dashboards for data visualization.

• Project management skills and experience.

• Good drafting skills.

Behavioural Skills

• Strong organizational and planning skills; ability to manage competing priorities and pressure.

• Strong problem-solving skills derived from a solutions-focused mindset.

• Capability to work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives.

• Capability to guide/supervise the work of others.

• Capability to engage and collaborate with various stakeholders.

• Excellent communication skills including ability to simplify complex concepts for different audiences.

Organizational Competencies:

Core Competencies:

Communicating for Results

Effective Collaboration

Cultivating Progressive Growth

Professional Accountability

Relevant Digital Proficiency

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Leadership and Management Competencies:

Talent Centred Leadership

Coordinated Cross Functional Leadership

Self-Aware Leadership

Strategic Leadership

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience, which should include:

• at least 3 years of hands-on HRIS experience, with a focus on Workday or equivalent systems;

• at least 5 years of database management or related experience;

• at least 2 years of experience managing external vendor relationship and contracts;

• at least 2 years in project management; and

• at least one year in a supervisory position.

Languages:

Excellent speaking and writing skills in English. Knowledge of French or Spanish would be an asset.

Additional Information:
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.