Head of HR Staff Services

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.

Head of HR Staff Service

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 contributes to the implementation of UNHCR's People Strategy and of the 2018 HR review which resulted in the establishment of HR strategic priorities and the transformation of the Division from a largely transactional model into a strategic business partner for field operations and senior management.

Under the supervision of the Director of DHR and in line with the HR review, the Head of HR Staff Service (HRSS) supervises the Personnel Administration and Global Payroll Sections, the HRSS IT Unit (MSRP HR/Payroll), the Admin. Support Unit within the Service, as well as the HQ Liaison and Compensation Unit based in Geneva. The incumbent will also supervise, the implementation of the Digitalization of Personnel Data (DPD) project and the setting up and implementation of the Global DHR Helpdesk.

The incumbent advises the Director of Human Resources on interpretation and implementation of human resources policy matters; ensures implementation and consistent application of policies and instructions; monitors and evaluates, through impact analysis, the effectiveness of these policies and instructions; and recommends changes to the Director. The incumbent also develops approaches to meet changing organizational needs. The incumbent manages in consultation with the Director, the assigned resources to provide timely and effective service to staff, managers and operations.

The incumbent maintains sound staff-management relations and will actively engage with a number of stakeholders, including,   but not limited to, Bureaus, Country Representatives and other UN agencies, in matters related to management of Human Resources and policies.

In this context the incumbent will duly apply and bring forward the goals of the UNHCR's People Strategy, the strategic priorities of the HR Review and will realign HR activities in order to better respond to UNHCR's operational and organizational needs, while implementing the objectives set for the Service and the Division as a whole. The incumbent will also proactively foster innovations and the development of new approaches.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- HR Staff Services are managed in a timely and effective manner.
- HR Staff Services processes are simplified and efficiencies introduced.
- UNHCR HR policy framework related to personnel administration and payroll is compatible with UN staff rules, regulations and other UN policy references.
- Policies related to personnel administration and payroll are regularly reviewed and updated.
- In the application of rules and regulation due regard is always given to the interest of the staff member viz. the interest of the Organization.

Responsibility

- Liaise within Headquarters, in particular with other DHR Services/Sections/Units, in order to stay abreast of all developments and issues relating to priorities of the Organization and evolving issues on Human Resources with particular reference to Personnel Administration and Payroll matters.
- Liaise with field operations to ensure full roll-out of efficiencies, end-to-end accountabilities and effective IT systems.
- Analyse the interconnections between Personnel Administration and Payroll, and streamline inter-dependent processes.
- Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to staff services.
- Oversee the implementation of the Digitalization of Personnel Data (DPD) project and the transition towards self-service.
- Lead and ensure the implementation of the HR review recommendations pertaining to HRSS, including overseeing the implementation of the Global DHR Helpdesk.
- Serve as the DHR representative on various inter-agency departmental groups and committees, as well as support for the Joint Advisory Committee.
- Assist the Director as and when required on matters relating to:
¿ Policy development.
¿ Disciplinary procedures.
¿ Budget development and planning within DHR.
¿ Interactions with the Staff Council, the Mediator, Inspector-General, and the Special Constraints Panel.
¿ Participation in inter-agency bodies.
¿ Requests for administrative review.
- Provide support and guidance to staff members, especially at the request of the staff member.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the Director, DHR in order to meet the level of services required by the Organization.

Authority

- Ensure that Headquarters and the field comply with all applicable Human Resources regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
- Allocate resources within the approved budget for the Service.
- Withhold salary and allowances for the period of staff unauthorized absence.
- Grant special leave with full pay for administrative purposes.
- Represent UNHCR Management in both internal and external meetings within the UN on topics related to Human Resources.
- Approve charging to the Special Staffing Costs (SSCCC) funds.
- Clear the rehire of former and retired staff members.
- Approve exceptions in the application of Staff Rules as per delegated authority.
- Any other authority being delegated by the Director, DHR.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Human Resources Management, Law, Public or Business Administration, Social Sciences or a related field plus minimum 16 years of previous work experience relevant to the function with minimum 10 years in an international capacity. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 17 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 15 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- The incumbent must have significant experience in human resources management.
- The incumbent should be a leader in this field of work, be client oriented, have solid planning, organizational and     negotiation skills, excellent drafting and communication skills, be a team worker, be receptive to and foster innovative approaches, be able to lead, coach staff and build trust.
- The incumbent should be able to exercise sound judgment and be discreet when handling confidential and sensitive information and material.
- Fluency in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Knowledge of UN policies and practices.
- Completion of the Strategic Leadership Programme (SLP).
- Knowledge of French and another UN Official language. C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X001L4 - Analytical Thinking Level 4
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X004L4 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Level 4
X003L4 - Technological Awareness Level 4
X008L4 - Stakeholder Management Level 4 <p>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.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country 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). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

 

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

 

The position under consideration is located within the Division of Human Resources.

The incumbent of the position, under the supervision of the Director of DHR, will be responsible for the overall management of a Service, supervising directly or indirectly some 110 colleagues, including some 12 colleagues at the professional level who are working within the Personnel Administration and Global Payroll Sections, the HRSS IT Unit (MSRP HR/Payroll), the Admin Support Unit within the Service, as well as the HQ Liaison and Compensation Unit based in Geneva. The incumbent of the position should be highly motivated in keeping up to-date with the changes in HR policies, rules and regulations. The incumbent should also have demonstrated competencies in terms of leadership, team building and team nurturing under high pressure. In addition, the incumbent is expected to be flexible in undertaking field missions, coordinate training delivery and maintain a close collaboration with the HR staff in the field. Ability to take sound, reasoned but quick decisions on a number of delicate HR/personnel matters is a must. In the context of the UNHCR change process and the HR transformation, the incumbent must be change-oriented and prepared to work under considerable pressure.

Excellent drafting in English is an important element. Knowledge of French and any other UN language is highly desirable.

Applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Please note that the closing date for vancancies in the Addendum 2 is Sunday 16 December 2018 (midnight Geneva time)