Head, International Personnel Services Section

Vacancy Announcement

Head, International Personnel Services Section, P-4

Headquarters Amman, Jordan

Re-opened with extended deadline; candidates having previously applied need not re-apply.

Deadline for Applications

7 October 2017

Duration

1 year fixed-term with start date of 1 December 2017 - this is a temporary vacancy to replace the post incumbent on a one-year absence.

Vacancy Announcement Number

17-AM-HQ-37

UNRWA encourages applications from qualified women and welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for professionals like you.

UNRWA’s strategic objectives

The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. In line with this mission, the Agency works towards five strategic outcomes: (a) Palestine refugee rights under international law are protected and promoted; (b) Palestine refugee health is protected and disease burden is reduced; (c) school-age children complete quality, equitable and inclusive basic education; (d) Palestine refugee capabilities are strengthened for increased livelihood opportunities; and (e) Palestine refugees are able to meet their basic human needs of food, shelter and environmental health.

Do you want to make a lasting difference? 

If you are an experienced HR manager 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. In this role, you will  be responsible for leading and managing end-to-end administration of  entitlements and payroll for UNRWA’s international workforce located at Headquarters Amman, in five areas of operation (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, West Bank, Gaza), and in the Agency’s representative offices in New York, Washington and Brussels. The role also calls upon the incumbent to advise the Chief, HR Operational Services Division and senior management on the interpretation and application of international staff policies, and to supervise, guide and mentor the International Personnel Services Section staff.

The main responsibilities include:

•         Managing the International Personnel Section (IPS) team, ensuring timely responses to all requests of personnel issues, providing coaching, mentoring and training to section staff members; planning, developing, reviewing and implementing internal management  processes for the improvement of services provided;

•         Leading and evaluating the implementation of all entitlements, allowances and benefits for international staff; reviewing, certifying and authorizing all entitlements and related actions through REACH payroll module; monitoring the international staffing table through post management of encumbered and vacant posts;

•         Advising CHROSD and senior management on the interpretation and application of international staff policies; researching, drafting and implementing changes to staff regulations, rules and related issuances for international staff, in coordination with Senior Human Resources Policy Officer; participating in policy reviews and formulation of procedures to improve human resources services in the area of operations;

•         Managing and monitoring end-to-end administration of entitlements; in close coordination with the Human Resources Strategic Services Division (HRSSD), interpreting, verifying and implementing the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) pay package in a timely and accurate manner;

•         Serving as the Agency focal point for the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF); administering the group medical and life insurance plans in effect for international staff, including the resolution of all claims and disputes with the insurance companies;

•         Leading and overseeing the Performance Management System (PMS) for international staff, and coordinating with responsible offices to ensure compliance with PMS policies and guidelines;

•         Participating in human resources projects, task forces, committees and meetings related to international staff administration and provide advice and recommendations.

Conditions of service 

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $70,647 net tax free with post adjustment of 36.4% (subject to change without notice). All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza and Syria) are family duty stations. Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

•  Dependency allowances

•  Rental subsidy

•  Education grant for children

•  Home leave travel

•  6 weeks (30 working days) annual leave

•  Pension fund entitlements under the

    UN Joint Staff Pension Fund

•  International health insurance; optional

    life insurance

•  Disability protection

Additional information

The incumbent might be required to travel in the Agency’s area of operations.

To qualify for this position, you will need:

Education

Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in public or business administration, human resources management, or any other related field; a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;

Work

experience

A minimum of eight progressively responsible experience in human resources management in a large international, governmental or commercial organization, with at least three years at a supervisory level specifically in HR management involving benefits and contract administration within the United Nations common system and 2 years of relevant international experience outside one’s home country; Experience in integrated information management systems related to staff administration is required; Experience in administration of staffing table is required; Experience in application of staff regulations, staff rules, human resources policies, and practices is desirable.

Language(s)

Excellent command of spoken and written English.

You will also need to demonstrate the following competencies:

•         Proven ability in the development and maintenance of effective internal and external work relationships at all levels and in gaining trust and confidence of clients;

•         Excellent skills in managing and organizing self and others;

•         Ability to negotiate persuasively on a range of issues;

•         Proven integrity in dealing with confidential issues;

•         Excellent counseling skills;

•         Demonstrated openness in sharing knowledge and information with team members and keeping staff informed on relevant developments;

•         Ability to negotiate persuasively a range of problems, including sensitive, complex and contentious issues and to advise staff on different options to meet their needs;

•         Ability to introduce new ideas and to seek creative and innovative solutions;

•         Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for gender and diversity;

•         Proven ability to conduct research in HR matters.

For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews:

            https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

How to apply

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The United Nations does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.

General information

UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality at all times. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.

The retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service in the UN Common System after 1 January 1990 is 62 and 65 after 1 January 2014. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered.

The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.

Date of issue: 20 July 2017/ CM