Human Resources Policy and Legal Officer

Vacancy Announcement

Human Resources Policy and Legal Officer , P-3

Amman, Jordan

Deadline for Applications

29 August 2017

(15 August 2017 for internal applicants)

Duration

2 years, with the possibility of further extension, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need.

Vacancy Announcement Number

17-AM-HQ-40

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 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 provide advice on human resources legal and policy issues, incorporating analysis of relevant international administrative law, dealing with staff grievances, harassment complaints, misconduct and disciplinary cases. You will also support the development of human resources policies and issuances.

The main responsibilities include:

•         Providing advice to management and HR officials on policy issues related to the interpretation and application of the regulations, rules and other administrative issuances taking into account past practice and jurisprudence; handling substantive and procedural questions related to administration and management of staff;

•         Preparing and assisting in the preparation of policy guidance, reports and correspondence; conducting research and preparing or assisting in the preparation of analysis of existing human resources practices and preparing guidance to harmonize practices Agency-wide and procedures to meet the evolving needs of the Agency; assessing the adequacy of existing HR policies, identifying issues that require change, proposing modifications and drafting related policy papers, reports and opinions, taking into account best practice of the Agency and the United Nations Common system in general; representing the Division on internal committees and working groups related to HR policy development and coordination;

•         Reviewing complaints raised against Headquarters' staff members for misconduct; gathering information and conducting initial assessment, recommending official investigation, if required, and coordinating related actions; providing guidance on preliminary investigations of allegations of misconduct and advising whether the cases should be pursued; advising DHR whether to support recommendations from the Fields to terminate for misconduct or summary dismissal;

•         Examining and providing technical input on appeals on behalf of HRD to International and Area staff applications submitted to UNRWA's Dispute Tribunal and Department of Legal Affairs;

•         Drafting or reviewing miscellaneous reports and correspondence of a legal nature, as required, including responses to audits.

Conditions of service 

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $58,583 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 will be required to reside in Amman and to travel occasionally throughout the Agency's area of operations in the Middle East.

To qualify for this position, you will need:

Education

A university degree from an accredited educational institution in law; Licensure to practice law in any jurisdiction;

Work

experience

At least six years of experience in legal work, including two years with an international organization, preferably on matters related to staff entitlements, appeals, grievances and/or employment/labour law, and two years at international level outside your home country; Time spent in post-graduate studies in international law may be counted toward the experience requirement;

Language(s)

Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Desirable qualifications:

•         Working knowledge of Arabic;

•         Specialized training in administrative law and appellate procedures;

•         Post-graduate degree in law, human resources management or public administration;

•         Knowledge of United Nations systems and practices, and UNRWA staff rules and regulations, and specifically Administration of Justice procedures;

•         Previous dispute resolution exposure.

You will also need to demonstrate the following competencies:

•         Proven ability in the analysis of facts/information, the development of rigorous arguments and replies and the provision of sound advice;

•         Highly developed English drafting skills;

•         Ability to progress with work independently and to participate as a member of a small team;

•         Ability to communicate effectively with a range of internal and external contacts.

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: 2 August 2017/ NH