UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Org. Setting and Reporting UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.
This position is primarily responsible for providing operational advice on human resources issues, incorporating international administrative law analysis, that deal with staff grievances, harassment complaints and disciplinary cases; supports the development of human resources policies and issuances.
The Human Resources Policy and Legal Officer reports to the Senior Legal Officer (Administrative Law).
Responsibilities
– In close coordination with the Senior Legal Officer (Administrative Law), provides advice to the Director of Human Resources (DHR) on policy issues related to the interpretation and application of the regulations, rules and other administrative issuances taking into account past practice and jurisprudence; handles substantive and procedural questions related to administration and management of staff;
– Prepares and assists in the preparation of policy guidance, reports and correspondence; conducts research and prepares or assists in the preparation of analysis of existing human resources practices and prepares guidance to harmonize practices Agency-wide and procedures to meet the evolving needs of the Agency; assesses the adequacy of existing HR policies, identifies issues that require change, proposes modifications and drafts related policy papers, reports and opinions, taking into account best practice of the Agency and the United Nations Common system in general; represents the division on internal committees and working groups related to HR policy development and coordination;
– Reviews Department of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS) investigation reports, and coordinates related actions related to staff due process and disciplinary matters; provides guidance to the DHR on investigations and allegations of misconduct; advises DHR, through his/her supervisors, whether to support recommendations from the Fields to terminate for misconduct;
– Examines and provides technical HR input on HR matters, including Decision Review Requests (DRRs) and appeals submitted by International and Area staff submitted to UNRWA’s Dispute Tribunal and Department of Legal Affairs; – Drafts or reviews miscellaneous reports and correspondence of a legal nature, as required, including responses to audits and the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU).
Competencies UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply. – Applying Technical Expertise – Analyzing – Relating and Networking – Planning and Organizing – Learning and Researching For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un. org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
Education
A university degree from an accredited educational institution in law (required). License to practice law in any jurisdiction (required).
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience At least six years of progressively responsible and relevant experience, two of which should have been with an international organization, preferably on matters related to staff entitlements, appeals, grievances and/or employment/labour law (required). A minimum of 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number (required). Languages Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. The Human Resources Policy and Legal Officer will be required to reside in Amman and to travel occasionally throughout the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East. Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be considered. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered.
A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for an appointment to the same post or a similar post. UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/
How to apply
To start the application process, applicants are required to register at https://careers.un.org/lbw/Home.aspx go to Department and choose UNRWA for UNRWA posts. Only applications received through https://careers.un.org/lbw/Home.aspx will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received, only short-listed applicants will be contacted via e-mail only.
Link to TJO is: https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=184300&Lang=en-US