Team Leader, Staff Administration

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The UNOPS Global Shared Service Centre (GSSC) is a Corporate Support Group (CSG) unit established for the purpose of providing internal, global, cost-effective transactional services which enhance the operational capacity of UNOPS and standardize systems and procedures. The GSSC, among other functions, carries out high-quality transactional services within the area of personnel contract administration and payroll.  

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Personnel Administration, the Team Leader, Staff Administration ensures effective delivery of global HR services, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. He/she interprets and applies HR policies, rules and regulations, implements internal procedures and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex HR issues. The Team Leader, Staff Administration promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UN Staff Rules and Regulations, UNOPS’ own policies and contributes to the maintenance of high staff morale through effective supervision and leadership of the Staff Administration Team.
He/she works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and project teams in the field offices and UNOPS HQ staff ensuring successful performance in HR management.

Summary of Key Functions

• Leadership and supervision
• Implementation of HR strategies and policies
• Effective HR management
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Provides leadership/supervision to the Staff Administration Team, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Guidance and supervision to the HR team, including internal verification of calculations and processing
• Efficient and high quality service to clients
• Highly motived personnel thriving in their work
• Fair and sustainable distribution of work portfolios and responsibilities within the team
• Facilitation of effective delivery of services and work packages

2. Provides support to the implementation of HR strategies and policies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of HR activities with UN Rules and Regulations, UNOPS and Partner policies, procedures and strategies; effective implementation of the internal control, proper design and functioning of the HR management system
• HR business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in HR management, control of the workflows in the HR Unit

3. Ensures effective human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Management of actions related to the unit’s human resource activities, e.g., contract administration for Staff Members and their benefits and entitlements
• Analysis of reports and a high level of quality control in terms of data and processing
• Information and advice to UNOPS and Partner Staff Members on the conditions of service, duties and responsibilities, and privileges and entitlements under the UN Staff Rules and Regulations and UNOPS/Partner rules and policies
• Management of contracts in UNOPS ERP System, monitoring and tracking of all transactions related to positions, HR data, benefits, earnings/deductions, retroactivity, recoveries, adjustments and separations through UNOPS ERP System
• Support to management of personnel entitlements and position funding delegated to the HR Unit
• Gathering information and reporting on technical challenges via appropriate channels within UNOPS
• Liaison with HR HQ, as required, for the purpose of establishing SOPs, clarifying policy/practice, collaborating on cross-unit communications, etc.

4. Provides support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization of training for the operations / projects personnel on HR-related topics
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in human resources

Management and Leadership

·         Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback

·         Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills

·         Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

·         Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors

·         Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

·         Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Development and Operational Effectiveness

·         Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting

·         Ability to lead recruitment, contracts management, performance appraisal, career development management, build teams, maintain high staff morale

·         Strong IT skills

·         Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change

Knowledge Management and Learning

·         Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to practice areas

·         Develops deep understanding in HR Management

·         Promotes learning environment in the office

·         Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Education:  Master’s Degree or equivalent in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with required qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:  2 years of relevant experience at the international level in providing HR benefits and entitlements services. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2003 and/or newer versions) and experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements: Fluency in written and oral English. Knowledge of second UN working language desirable.

• 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.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• 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.