Isabelle Chazal, HR Planning Specialist, UNICEF NYHQ

Tell us a bit about your background.  

I was born in Paris, France, and traveled throughout Europe for my studies. I studied Literature, Philosophy and International & European law. I have always wanted to work in an international environment where I would have the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures.

What do you do?

I currently work as the HR Planning Specialist in DHR, NYHQ, where I am responsible for ensuring that HR planning is aligned with organizational needs. This responsibility includes quantitative workforce analysis, regular office planning functions, enterprise risk management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, as well as external liaison with Missions to the UN, the UN Common System and other organizations on reporting and HR analytics matters. I also manage the HR Information System as well as the reporting requirements and needs of both internal and external stakeholders. 

What’s your working day like?

I have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of stakeholders that include DHR, divisional and field colleagues, as well as other UN agencies and missions. I work on different HR projects, which include strategic planning, HR data analytics and HR systems.

How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old?

I make sure people have the right information to make the right decisions.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be a veterinarian.

How/when did you join UNICEF?

In 2011, I was selected as a French JPO to work with UNICEF.

What are the most satisfying parts of your job?

Working with my team, human interaction, defining projects, strategizing, planning and seeing the results.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

The main challenge would be to find a balance between the different projects, as well as ensuring that stakeholders’ requests are addressed, whilst at the same time being able to balance the workload for my team.

What’s your best UNICEF experience/memory?

Being part of the UNICEF family itself, as well as growing within the Organization, and realizing I understand its story, culture, its ins and outs and the way it operates.

What’s one of the biggest risks you’ve ever taken in your life?

Packing-up, moving to a foreign country and leaving my life behind.

What are your passions? How do you spend your free time?

I love food! Restaurants, wine, cheese… and sometimes yoga & pilates.

What advice would you give others who are seeking a similar job as yours?

My advice to aspiring UNICEF applicants would be to remain patient, know what they are looking for and what they want, as well as creating their own opportunities.

Who do you look towards for inspiration?

Those who are passionate about their dreams.

My colleagues don’t know that…

I used to collect dinosaurs and dragons (the smaller versions…)