Human Resources Specialist, P3, Lilongwe, Malawi, #43611

Under the supervision of Chief of Operations, manage human resource activities including the supervision of human resources staff in the small-medium size country office in accordance with the HR strategy and work plan, aligned with the Country Programme Management Plan as well as the goals and strategic needs of the organization. Provides guidance in human resources that promote a gender-balanced multidisciplinary team of professionals.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, safety…

UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2019-2013) is aligned with the Government of Malawi’s Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).  The programme supports the Government of Malawi to meet its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights in line with international conventions and standards. The country programme is guided by the principles of children’s rights, equity, gender equality, inclusion and resilience, and supports evidence-based, integrative and innovative programming. The vision is that ‘all girls and boys in Malawi, especially the most disadvantaged and deprived, realize their rights’.  The programme focuses on: early childhood (parenting, high-impact social services, early stimulation and learning), middle childhood and adolescence (learning, multi-sectoral services, active citizenship), communities (decentralized services and systems, community ownership, social norms), programme effectiveness (monitoring, evaluation, HACT, Innovation, Social Protection and Social Policy and External Communication.  The programme is based on ‘leaving no child behind’, realizing ‘rights for all children in Malawi’.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of Chief of Operations, manage human resource activities including the supervision of human resources staff in the small-medium size country office in accordance with the HR strategy and work plan, aligned with the Country Programme Management Plan as well as the goals and strategic needs of the organization.  Provides guidance in human resources that promote a gender-balanced multidisciplinary team of professionals. 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. BUSINESS PARTNERING

• Serve as the single point of contact for his/her client portfolio on advice pertaining to all aspects of the employment life cycle.
• Provide accurate and timely advice to clients on HR processes and policies, ensuring the highest level of client-orientation.
• Proactively advise clients on the resolution of human resources issues ensuring equitable and transparent solutions that protects both the staff and organizations interests in accordance with policies, regulations and procedures.
• Promote the organizational goals and targets for gender equity and cultural diversity.

2. STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCES

• Liaise with the HQ Divisions, regional and country offices to support and contribute to corporate HR strategy formulation and global implementation. Provide feedback and make recommendations on the establishment and improvement of HR systems, policies and processes.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in HR management and contribute to the development of global policies, procedures and introduce innovation through sharing of best practices and knowledge learned.

3. IMPLEMENTATION OF ASSIGNED HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES

• Provide support to various or one specific HR occupation (recruitment, job classification, career development, performance management, data analytics, learning and development, etc.) to help their supervisors in implementing efficient client services that help either attract, retain and/or motivate staff of the highest caliber.
• When assigned casework in the relevant area on either a routine or non-routine basis, analyze and synthesize issues and problems, and interpret established, formal guidelines to address and recommend solutions or further actions required.

4. LEARNING AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

• In collaboration with business owners, design and deliver learning plans for staff to enhance their knowledge and build skills in new areas.
• Contributes to the mapping of competencies for all staff in assigned client portfolio, assisting in the development of a comprehensive framework in support of the development of the talent pipeline.
• Recommend efficient and cost-effective learning products which strengthen staff capacity to contribute effectively to business goals
• Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/ stakeholders.
• Provide orientation briefings to new staff.
• Provide day-to-day performance and talent management guidance to line management (e.g. coaching, counseling, career development, career conversations, and disciplinary actions)

5. HR DATA ANALYTICS

• Interpret and analyze HR data to help inform strategic decision making on HR processes and strategies.
• Develop data collection systems to optimize data quality
• Coordinate with country offices and partners to provide assistance in their HR information management.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• An advanced university degree in human resource management, business management, international relations, psychology or another related field is required.
• A university degree in either of the above fields with an additional 2 years of relevant human resource management experience would be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in human resource management within the UN system is required of which at least 3 years should be at country office level within a medium to large office size is required.
• Supervisory experience is essential.
• Strategic and conceptual management and leadership skills are important. 
• Experience in a client-orientation role with strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills is required, specifically within a change management environment.
• Experience in a developing country is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are:

• Leading and Supervising [II]             
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II]      
• Analyzing [III]                                       
• Applying technical expertise (II)
• Planning and Organizing (II)

View our competency framework at:

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

“UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.”

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.