Senior Staff Development Officer (MLC)

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 Staff Development Officer (MLC)

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.

In the context of the professionalization of the UNHCR staff development function the role of the post is to develop learning strategies and customized learning solutions and provide strategic guidance, advice and make decisions, for tailored learning solutions for managers and leaders in UNHCR. This is particularly in the context of the Recruitment and Assignments AI (UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and its Administrative Instructions UNHCR/AI/2017/7/Rev.1) that sets out a series of programmes within a management/leadership stream as eligibility criteria for applications to a position at a higher grade.

The incumbent of this position leads the work of the Management, Leadership, Communications and Innovation (MLCI) Unit with a primary responsibility for the conceptualization, design, development and delivery of related learning programmes for various levels of leadership and management. As well, s/he will be required to play a co-ordinating role in the design and roll out of multi-functional leadership programmes including Human Resources Management, fundraising, communication, innovation and languages

S/he is accountable for pro-actively supporting the learning culture in UNHCR by aligning effective learning with institutional goals. In addition, the incumbent advises managers and leaders in UNHCR as well as other training and learning providers on the design, development, delivery and evaluation of learning activities all with a view to meet the operational and management needs of the Organisation.

The post requires the incumbent to work with the Divisions and Bureaux at HQ and in coordination with regional and field offices and external partners concerning capacity building and awareness raising activities to ensure appropriate cross-linkages of all UNHCR learning and training programmes with a management/leadership component.

S/he is supervised by the Chief Learning Officer (P5), who will provide overall direction and guidance in connection with the work of the GLC.

The incumbent manages a portfolio of relevant activities in the MLCI Unit and supervises (international, national and general staff whose performance s/he will monitor and whom s/he will guide and support in their day-to-day functions.

S/he will work with external service providers - consultants, e-learning developers, printing and production companies etc. and be responsible for preparing requests for proposals for acquiring goods and services. 

S/he establishes strong linkages with subject matter experts from other UN agencies and non-governmental agencies as necessary on various issues with regard to the development of learning programmes and the provision of training on specific issues.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- MLCI Units core activities support and are aligned with and contribute to the realization of UNHCR and GLC strategic priorities.
- UNHCR learning policy and programmes remain centred on providing staff and other beneficiaries' effective, well-planned, innovative learning opportunities.
- UNHCR has a comprehensive and effective suite of learning opportunities at all levels for management, leadership, communication and innovation that supports career development and performance.
- Learning activities are impactful and support the development of a performance-oriented and inclusive management and leadership culture that as a result contribute to operational performance.
- Delegated cost centres in support of strategic and operational priorities are managed.

Responsibility
- Contribute to the formulation of strategies, policies, standards, procedures and guidelines that facilitates learning and knowledge sharing across UNHCR.
- Develop and update a MLCI learning strategy and yearly work plan.
- Undertake r-Research and analysis of learning needs in the organisation in the area of Management, leadership, communications and language as well as other assigned areas. Oversee and/or manage, design, develop, organize and facilitate related learning activities using a variety of methodologies (workshops, distance learning, e-learning and/or webinars) in order to provide quality and scaled up learning.
- Oversee the implementation of all logistical arrangements relating to MLCI training/learning activities.
- In collaboration with the GLC evaluation function, evaluate and assess the impact of MLCI learning activities.
- Prepare regular and ad hoc reports and compilation of statistics as required.
- Administer all aspects of learning and promotional activities for MLCI learning activities under his/her responsibility, including the allocation of financial and other resources.
- Participate in the preparation of annual programme, administrative and budget submissions.
- Coordinate with other sections of DHRM with regard to linkages between training and career development and management, recognition, promotion, recruitment, posting, and performance management.  Participate in the development of policies and procedures in these areas.
- Manage budgets for direct implementation, prepare the submissions and reports for the budget and activities under his/her responsibility and review submissions of his/her direct reports. Within this context, take decisions on expenditure of funds (on the basis of agreed workplans) and maintain efficient administrative control mechanisms to ensure compliance with UNHCR financial, administrative, and staff rules and regulations.
- Perform any other related duties as required.

Authority
- Decide on learning priorities, methodologies and content under his / her content areas within approved parameters
- Represent GLC in meetings with UNHCR divisional and technical experts, interagency and partner counterparts as well as potential and actual learning services providers.
- Approve proposed external consultants.
- Approve budget expenditures for the learning activities under his/her responsibility.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) preferably in Organizational Psychology or Development, Human Resources Management, Education, Psychology Sociology or a related field plus minimum 8 years of relevant working experience of which 7 in an international environment. 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.
- Extensive and expert knowledge of management and leadership theories and best practices, as well as specifics related to humanitarian leadership, especially in the context of the Humanitarian Reform/Transformative Agenda.
- Extensive knowledge and experience of humanitarian operations, procedures and issues related to forced displacement and, ideally, experience in working in interagency contexts.
- Experience in design, development, delivery and evaluation of learning activities either inside or outside UNHCR in the management and leadership field.
- Field experience.
- Demonstrated managerial experience.
- Excellent drafting skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Fluency in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of UN (HCR) learning environment and institutional strategic priorities. 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
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X008L3 - Stakeholder Management 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 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.

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