Elfrida Hoxholli-Melendez (Albanian, permanently resides in the United States) is a senior human resources consultant with over 27 years of experience within the United Nations system and international organizations. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska and has completed professional training in Strategic Human Resources Leadership and International Human Resources Studies at Cornell University.

From 2017 to 2023, Elfrida served as the Head of Human Resources at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), where she managed HR operations for a department with over 2,000 staff members. She led the development and implementation of OCHA’s People Strategy, introduced a new HR policy and operational framework, and established business partnering models that enhanced service delivery. Additionally, she oversaw HR support for emergency responses, including natural disasters and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, she held various positions at UNDP’s Office of Human Resources, including Senior HR Business Partner and Manager of HR Case Management. She led the development of UNDP’s first HR case tracking system, launched global separation and transition support mechanisms, and assisted with organizational restructuring through workforce planning and internal redeployment. Her efforts concentrated on aligning staffing needs with operational priorities while ensuring fair and transparent processes.

Since becoming an independent consultant in 2024, Elfrida has collaborated with UNFPA, UN Women, IAEA, and other clients on organizational reviews, talent strategies, and HR policy development. She supported UN Women’s regionalization efforts, led functional analyses for UNFPA in Asia and Malaysia, and provided advice on HR issues related to office capacity and restructuring. Additionally, she engaged with private sector clients on recruitment systems, policy manuals, and onboarding procedures.

She is fluent in English and Albanian and conversational in Spanish. Elfrida is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Her approach to human resources emphasizes alignment with institutional goals, clarity in processes, and consistent support for staff and management during periods of change.