HD International Personnel Services Sect

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Head, International Personnel Services Section reports to the Chief, Human Resources Operational Services Division.

Responsibilities

Manages the IPS team ensuring timely responses to all requests of personnel issues, provides coaching, mentoring and training to section staff members; plans, develops reviews and implements internal management processes for the improvement of services provided;

Leads and evaluates the implementation of all entitlements, allowances and benefits for international staff; reviews, certifies and authorizes all entitlements and related actions through REACH payroll module; supervises international staffing table through post management of encumbered and vacant posts and advises the Chief, HRSD of any implications of vacant post usage;

Advises Chief, HR Services Division and senior management on the interpretation and application of international staff policies; researches, drafts and implements changes to staff regulations, rules and related issuances for international staff, in coordination with Senior Human Resources Policy Officer; participates in policy reviews and formulation of procedures to improve human resources services in the Area of Operations;

Manages and monitors end to end administration of entitlements; in close coordination with HRPPD interprets, verifies and implements the ICSC pay package in a timely and accurate manner;

Serves as the Agency focal point for UNJSPF; administers the group medical and life insurance plans in effect for international staff, including the resolution of all claims and disputes with the insurance companies;

Leads and oversees Performance Management System (PMS) for international staff, and coordinates with responsible offices to ensure compliance with PMS policies and guidelines;

Participates in human resources projects, task forces, committees and meetings related to international staff administration and provides advice and recommendations.

Competencies

UN Core Values of Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply.

- Proven ability in the development and maintenance of effective internal and external work relationships at all levels and in gaining trust and confidence of clients;
- Excellent skills in managing and organizing self and others;
- Ability to negotiate persuasively on a range of issues;
- Proven integrity in dealing with confidential issues;
- Excellent counseling skills;
- Demonstrated openness in sharing knowledge and information with team members and keeping staff informed on relevant developments;
- Ability to negotiate persuasively a range of problems, including sensitive, complex and contentious issues and to advise staff on different options to meet their needs;
- Ability to introduce new ideas and to seek creative and innovative solutions;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for gender and diversity.
- Proven ability to conduct research in HR matters.

For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in public or business administration, human resources management, or any other related field.

Work Experience

A minimum of eight years’ experience in the application of the knowledge acquired in public or business administration, human resources management, or any other related field;
At least three years at a supervisory level in a large international, governmental or commercial organization, specifically in HR management involving benefits and contract administration;
A minimum of 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number;
Detailed knowledge of UN and UNRWA Regulations, Rules and Directives, and of the sources from which they are compiled (desirable);
Working knowledge and experience of the Agency’s operations in the Middle East, and knowledge of Middle Eastern culture (desirable).

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Type of Contract and Duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension.

The Head International Personnel Services Section might be required to travel in the Agency's area of operations.

UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live.

For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/

United Nations Considerations

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to assignment by him or her.

UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from under-represented groups.

At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

UNRWA Considerations
UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear on the UN Sanctions List.
UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.