Regional Coordinator for Human Resources

Introduction

The position is located in the ILO Regional Office for the Arab States (ROAS). 
In close collaboration with the Human Resources Development Department (HRD) at ILO headquarters, the incumbent will be responsible for the coordination of Human Resources (HR) services, providing managerial and administrative advisory support to senior management of ROAS and managers of development cooperation programmes and advising headquarters on the region's requirements with respect to human resources policies and practices. The position will ensure that human resources are used effectively to support the goals of the ILO and will be responsible for providing proactive and consultative HR services.
The position will report to the Deputy Regional Director under the overall guidance of the Regional Director and receive technical guidance and advice from HRD at ILO headquarters. 

Specific Duties

1. Lead and coordinate the regional HR unit in the ROAS. Identify needs and oversee the development and implementation of a regional HR strategy, ensuring alignment with the ILO's Human Resources Strategy.
2. Provide strategic guidance to the Regional Director and other managers in the region on all aspects of HR management with a particular focus on workforce planning, grading and classification, recruitment, performance management, conflict prevention, absence management and staff development and learning.
3. Plan and implement recruitment programmes and strategies for local staff to ensure the timely and appropriate filling of vacancies, provide recruitment support to project and area offices managers in field locations.
4. Provide authoritative guidance on the interpretation of HR rules, regulations, policies and procedures to managers and staff in the region and ensure their consistent application across the region. Develop procedures to mitigate risks from non-compliance with HR rules, regulations and policies.
5. Oversee correct application of benefits and entitlements for locally recruited staff in the region. Work with senior management of ROAS and other managers to develop clear roles and responsibilities and to ensure job design coherence across the region. Liaise with HRD on job grading and classification matters. 
6. Provide advice and information to staff on career planning, learning, mobility and other HR activities. Oversee the correct application of staff development rules and procedures.
7. Coordinate the necessary steps for the smooth implementation of HR IT systems.
8. Act as the first point of contact with HRD in the coordination of HR services for staff assigned to the region.
9. Collaborate with HR professionals in the other ILO regions and at headquarters  to resolve complex HR issues and individual cases  and to ensure consistency and sharing  of good practices .  Identify needs and provide inputs into HR policy revisions.
10. Play an active role in global talent initiatives in cooperation with HRD. Implement and facilitate coaching and training plans for staff in the region. 
11. Develop annual staffing plans with managers in line with ILO objectives and execute them in accordance with strategic HR priorities. Use key data effectively including skills mix, talent pool information, gender and diversity statistics and retirements, secondments and rotation planning to facilitate succession planning, talent management and resourcing.
12. Collaborate with the Chief of the Regional Financial and Administrative Services (C/RAS) to coordinate and oversee the application of field safety and security standards, travel security clearance requirements and evacuation procedures, including medical evacuation, when necessary.
13. Perform other relevant duties, as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

Generic Duties

1. Review the work of other professional and general service staff for compliance with HR rules and regulations and for soundness of judgement and conclusions. May also directly supervise a specialized HR unit.
2. Provide expert advice on the development, implementation and administration of the area(s) of functional responsibility. 
3. Assess and determine organisational and programme needs for new or modified HR policies and practices, taking into account changing circumstances and environment, and consult with managers and staff representatives on proposed HR policies or modifications, participating in negotiations with the Staff Union as required.
4. Conceive, formulate, test and advocate within the Organization new and/or improved approaches, processes or techniques for the delivery of HR services. Develop comprehensive and proactive procedures and programmes to deal with the HR needs of the organisation. Plan, direct and monitor the introduction of changes.
5. Formulate the position of the Organization on HR policies and on the application of rules and regulations to highly sensitive or contentious cases and recommend appropriate action to senior management.
6. Analyse and ensure compatibility of HR regulations formulated at inter-agency level with those formulated and applied by the Organization.
7. Determine contentious and complex cases of eligibility of staff to entitlements or benefits. Certify benefits and ensure the correct application of decisions taken at the common system level on entitlements and benefits.
8. Serve as secretary to policy level committees in the area of expertise. Present and discuss technical matters and provide technical advice on positions to be taken at the inter-agency level.
9. Represent the organisation at inter-agency meetings as well as on missions. Prepare papers and statistics, exchange information on practices, negotiate the adaptation of common system practices, and enhance collaboration at the common system level.  Represent the HR department in working group and joint committee meetings in the area of functional responsibility.
10. Prepare and conduct training in the relevant HR field.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in human resources management, public or business administration, law, social sciences or other relevant field.
 

Experience

Seven years of professional experience in human resources management, of which at least three years at the international level, preferably within the ILO or UN organisations. Experience in at least two of the following areas: workforce planning, recruitment and selections, HR administration/operations, entitlements and benefits, classification, staff training and development, HR policy.

Languages

Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of French. A knowledge of Arabic will be considered as an advantage.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:
Technical
Excellent knowledge of the theories, principles, methods, practices and techniques of human resources management. Ability to supervise staff, plan and organise work and to provide guidance and training to staff. Ability to provide expert advice and to advise managers and staff appropriately.  Objectivity and capability to apply pertinent human resources rules, regulations and policies in a fair and consistent manner. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to present and defend the position of the Human Resources Development Department before managers and staff.  Ability to represent the Organization and to present positions and papers in meetings and committees. Good knowledge of automated information systems. Knowledge of the Organization's HR rules, regulations, policies, and procedures will be considered an asset.
Behavioural
Ability to persuasively negotiate sensitive and contentious issues.  High degree of tact, diplomacy and discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.