The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
A Q&A with Arnaud Sgambato on how UNOPS HR solutions help UN partners deliver
We spoke with UNOPS Head of Unit for Partnerships Development about how flexible HR solutions are enabling UN partners to deliver faster, focus on their core mandates, and respond effectively in times of crisis.
In this Q&A, Arnaud Sgambato, UNOPS Head of Unit for Partnerships Development, explains how our HR services act as an operational engine for UN partners worldwide. Drawing on years of experience supporting programmes in more than 150 countries, we explore how UNOPS enables rapid crisis response, leverages digital innovation and combines technology with deep operational expertise, to help build a more agile UN that can deliver more with less.
Can you describe UNOPS HR services for our UN partners? What’s the bigger purpose of it all?
At its core, UNOPS acts as an operational engine for our UN partners. We provide flexible, cost-effective and modular HR solutions. This allows our partners to offload many of the time-consuming and resource intensive administrative processes – such as recruitment, contract assurance and payroll – so they can focus on their core mandates. Whether partners are delivering humanitarian aid, supporting peacekeeping efforts or advancing sustainable development, our work helps clear the path for impact.
How does this support translate during times of crisis?
Speed is critical when responding to crises. Since 2020, UNOPS has managed over 100,000 contracts on behalf of our partners. That volume reflects our ability to enable rapid, large-scale deployment of personnel for vital operations, from refugee assistance to demining activities in high-risk zones. By ensuring that personnel are hired, paid and supported, we help partners deliver when it matters most.
What sets UNOPS HR services apart?
What sets UNOPS services apart is not only the range of HR tasks we manage but also our capacity to tailor solutions to partner needs across more than 150 countries. We take on the heavy lifting so partners don’t have to.
This means they can dedicate time and resources to strategic interventions and field operations instead of administrative hurdles.
UNOPS has talked about the future being digital. What does that mean for HR services?
The future of HR support is increasingly digital. We are actively leveraging AI, digitalization and process optimization to make our services better, faster and more efficient. This isn’t just a roadmap, it’s a commitment. The efficiencies and savings we generate through technology are passed directly to our partners, helping create a more agile and cost-effective UN system.
Where do you see the biggest contribution from your team?
Technology is vital, but experience is equally critical. Our teams on the ground have lived this journey for years. We’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, and that practical knowledge informs how we design and deliver our services. The combination of deep institutional experience with digital innovation ensures that partners benefit from both expertise and efficiency.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for contributing to a more efficient and effective UN in relation to your work?
By absorbing the administrative burden of HR functions, UNOPS enables partners to focus on their core missions and deliver outcomes that change lives.
From emergency responses to long-term development, our HR solutions help ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time, supported by efficient systems and dedicated teams.
Arnaud Sgambato
Arnaud Sgambato is UNOPS Head of Unit for Partnerships Development. He brings over 20 years of experience working within the UN and international affairs to his role.
