Policy Officer (HR)

Policy Officer (Human Resources)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:
In a particularly demanding environment, the incumbent, in addition to solid generalist legal background, will demonstrate thorough understanding of HR challenges in UNHCR in the years to come, articulated around 3 main topics:

- Understanding of the UN System HR machinery, and its implication on UNHCR's HR related issues.
- The recent considerable changes on conditions of service will require UNHCR to re-think proactively the modalities and statutory framework applied to emergency postings.
- Familiarity with UNHCR culture and identity, at a time when UNHCR is considering important innovations in its way to recruit, and assign staff.
- Holistic perception of HR function, requiring a comprehensive approach to policy building and implementation.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability:

- HR policies under the preview of the position appropriately address UNHCR needs in substantive, legal and administrative terms. 
- HR policies are developed with the required level of consultation, analysis, research, and follow due approval process and implementation.
- HR policy and planning responsibilities of DHRM are invigorated and quality service is provided to HR advisory bodies.  

Responsibility:

- Research and draft policy papers and technical proposals on HR policies and procedures to meet UNHCR's evolving operational needs.
- Analyze trends and developments related to UNHCR's workforce policies and planning through pertinent statistical data to provide a holistic illustration of UNHCRs workforce and contribute to future planning.
- Research relevant regulations, rules, policies and practices of the UN and non-UN entities to identify needs for changes in UNHCR's HR policies and procedure.
- Initiate and drive new HR initiatives and projects as required.
- Follow-up on implementations of HR policies as needed.
- Participate in working groups and task forces within and outside UNHCR to ensure that UNHCR's HR perspectives are represented.
- As designated by the supervisor, provide support to joint staff-management and other HR advisory bodies;
- Perform other relevant functions as necessary.

Authority:

- Monitor UNHCR's implementation on HR policies and advise on the courses of action.
- Draft Policy papers for review by senior management.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

- Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Human Resources Management, Law, Public or Business Management.
- 6 years relevant professional working experience (8 years with university degree); this should include experience in the area of business management and/or Organisational Development as well as Strategic HR Management.
- Fluency in English with a working knowledge of French.
- Highly developed drafting and negotiation skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES:

- Extensive practical experience in strategic human resources management, in an international context - e.g. UN, a multinational corporation, NGO, or similar.  
- Prior exposure to, and demonstrated competence, in the conceptual development of strategic HR approaches, corporate HR polices with a business profile and RBM is necessary to successfully assume the functions of this post.  Proven ability to extract and analyse data from business practices such as benchmarking. 
- Experience in working with Balance Scorecards and Change Management tools is considered an asset. 
- A good knowledge of UNHCR's/UN field operational realities. 
- Solid computer skills, including good knowledge of databases.
- Excellent knowledge of French.

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