Human Resources Associate (Roster), Multiple positions

Background Information – Job-specific

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and several island states.

This vacancy announcement is for rostering purposes. There are multiple duty stations in the Africa Region, as such, the selected candidate(s) will be based in the KEMCO portfolio countries Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda and any other country within the region subject to the need and funds availability.

Under the direct supervision of Human Resources Manager and the overall direction of the Head of Support Services as well as the technical guidance of IPAS HR, the HR Associate is responsible for administering and implementing services, plans, and processes covering the array of Human Resources Management service lines for optimal employee and talent management, i.e. recruitment, learning, performance management, transition, organizational development, and contract management. S/he serves as the first contact for internal and external clients in resolving questions on processes and procedures and provision of guidance and information related to HR initiatives and services to a wide range of UNOPS clients.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Implementation of HR strategies and procedures
2. Recruitment and talent management
3. Administrative support
4. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
5. Management of a portfolio of clients, ensuring implementation of HR strategies and procedures, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Ensures full compliance of HR processes and records with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies.
• Contributes to the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in HR management in consultation with the direct supervisor.
• Provides information to the management and personnel on strategies, HR rules and regulations.
• Improves the customer’s journey by leveraging data and previous learnings.
• Focuses on the stakeholder´s experience as an engagement strategy

1. Provides support to recruitment and talent management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full management of a portfolio of clients, including initiation, processing, monitoring, review and follow-up on actions related to the administration of human resource activities, e.g., recruitment, placement, relocation, promotion, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, review of submissions to review bodies, etc., ensuring consistency in the application of regulations and procedures.
• Assistance in the identification and proposal of the mechanisms to attract suitable candidates, active support with sourcing and outreach activities.
• Administrative and logistical support to general recruitment processes
• Provision of advice as HR member on selection panels.

1. Ensures efficient administrative support to the HR Team and UNOPS personnel, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Liaison between unit and internal/ external clients to expedite completion of projects, disseminate information, etc
• Research of precedents and analysis of merits of specific requests; presentation of recommendations, taking into account institutionalized exceptions, and submission of recommendation for the approval of departure from established policies, procedures and guidelines
• Support to the Human Resources Manager on management, implementation, monitoring of various HR initiatives.
• Advice and guidance to personnel with respect to administrative procedures, processes and practices
• Proactive coordination of the flow of work,
• Advice to the supervisor on the status of pending requests and work deadlines and provision of proactive customer service to internal and external clients.
• Set-up and maintenance of databases, requiring the organization and preparation of reports and documents through integration of several data sources, technology and software applications

4. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing and contribution to product/proces efficiency, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Contributes to knowledge management projects
• Guidance/training to less experienced personnel
• Contribute to HR knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources management.
• Provides mentoring/assistance to less experienced colleagues in the team and the field.
• Provide suggestions for the enhancements of practice policy developments; Support process efficiency initiatives;
• Provide input to the development and maintenance of corporate systems and tools.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the HR Associate directly impact on the compliant execution of HR processes in the respective unit and the efficient and effective performance within it. These promote the credibility of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Secondary Education is required.
• A University Degree preferably in HR, Business Administration, Psychology, Communications or related field would be desirable, and may substitute for years of experience, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• With secondary education, 6 years of progressively responsible HR and/or experience in talent acquisition is required in an international environment.
• A minimum of one year experience in data analysis and interpretation is required.
• Experience with the usage of Google suite is highly desired.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Competencies

Integrity & Inclusion: Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Partnering: Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Results Orientation: Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Agility: Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Solution Focused: Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Effective Communication: Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

• This vacancy announcement is for rostering purposes. There are multiple duty stations in the Africa Region, as such, the selected candidate(s) will be based in the KEMCO portfolio countries Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Uganda and any other country within the region subject to the need and funds availability.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement ( LICA)
2. Contract level: LICA 6/ ICS 6
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.