Policy Officer (HR)

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

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
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Human Resources Management, Law, Public or Business Management plus minimum 6 years relevant professional working experience, this should include experience in the area of Business Management and/or Organisational Development as well as Strategic HR Management. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Highly developed drafting and negotiation skills.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

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.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Policy Officer (Human Resources) positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X006L3 - Policy Development & Research Level 3

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific security and welfare profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). These profiles have been specifically designed to answer some of the key questions (on security conditions, medical provisions, staff welfare, living and working conditions) potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care. This project is still in the pilot phase, and as such some of the information leaflets are being produced as we speak and might not be available yet. They will be soon, so keep checking. 

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add.4 to March 2018 Compendium is Wednesday 5 Septembe 2018 (midnight Geneva time).