Senior HR Policy Officer

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.

Senior HR Policy Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The position is located within the Division of Human Resources (DHR). The Division¿s mission statement indicates that DHR is a strategic, trusted and innovative business partner in enabling UNHCR to protect and respond to persons of concern by attracting, motivating, retaining and developing a talented, diverse and agile workforce, while nurturing a culture of excellence, respect and wellbeing for all.

The incumbent of this position supports the UNHCR¿s People Strategy and contributes to the implementation of the 2018 independent HR review which resulted in the establishment of HR strategic priorities and the reconfiguration and transformation of the Division from a largely transactional model into a strategic business partner for field operations and senior management.

The position is part of the HR Policy Section within the Human Resources Operational Partnership Service, and the incumbent contributes to the Service's strategic planning with focus on HR policies to analyse legal implications, to ensure consistency of applications, as well as adherence to the UN Staff Regulations and Rules.

The staff member supervises two professional staff members at P-3 level and leads the HR Policy team in the formulation, development and monitoring of HR policies. Under the supervision of the Chief of Section and the guidance of the Deputy Director, the incumbent ensures that the technical and substantive aspects of the Organisation's HR Policies support the broader HR strategy and UNHCR mandate. 

The staff member keeps close relationship within UNHCR with the HR staff, Senior Resource Managers and Admin. Officers, who seek advice and provide client support, as well as with outside groups such as the HR Network Standing Committee on Field Duty Stations (HR Field Group), the ICSC and inter-agency working groups.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- UNHCR policy framework, is compatible with the staff Regulations and Rules of the UN common system. 
- UNHCR HR policies serve to attract, motivate and retain high calibre staff and enhance UNHCR¿s organisational performance.

Responsibility
- Research and prepare policy papers and technical proposals on HR policies and procedures to meet UNHCR's evolving operational needs.
- Participate in internal working groups and task forces within DHR and other sections and ensure that the HR perspective is presented and taken into account.
- Establish close partnership with HR managers and area managers from Bureaux and Divisions and the Staff Council.
- Maintain an open system of information exchange on policy needs, developments, implementation and interpretation.
- Promote UNHCR¿s HR interests in external HR fora such as the HR Field Group, ICSC, and various Inter-agency Working Groups.
- Ensure consistent UNHCR policy framework, compatible with UN common system.
- Supervise and manage the development/updating of the Staff Administration Management Manual (SAMM) and other related Manuals and Guidelines.
- Ensure HR policy consistency and adherence to UN Staff Regulations and Rules and issue regular and up to date instructions and guidelines to HR Professionals, staff and managers.
- Consult, gather, exchange and clarify information pertaining to policy development and implementation with a wide range of UNHCR staff and managers at all levels, the Staff Council and JAC members, and  with a wide range of UN partners including the ICSC and other International Organisations.
- Participate in various internal Task Forces, such as the "Gender Steering Committee", the Code of Conduct Taskforce and others, and provide professional advice and support to the Organisation's Joint Advisory Committee (JAC).

Authority
- Represent and promote UNHCR's HR interests in external HR fora such as the HR Field Group, ICSC, and various Inter-agency Working Groups.
- Recommend HR policy strategies, procedures and methodologies for approval by senior management.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Human Resources or related fields such as Law, Public Administration plus minimum 8 years professional experience in an international context of which at least 5 years of management in human resources, and relevant experience in policy formulation and negotiation. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Substantive experience in the HR Policy development, very good knowledge of human resources and an in-depth understanding of legal implications on HR policies; all within the specific framework of the UN System.
- Knowledge of UN system, of its bodies (ICSC, HLCM, etc), its practices, standards and processes.
- Fluency in English.
- Highly developed drafting and negotiation skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Ability to draft Administrative instructions, guidelines and knowledge of the technical terminology of such issuance.
- Experience in the management of change and demonstrated commitment to continuous learning. 
- Prior exposure to field conditions in the UN context.
- Knowledge of French language. 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
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing 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).