Job: Human Resources Specialist

Location: Amman, Jordan 
Deadline: Thursday, 24 October 2013 

Description

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

UNOPS provides services in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement and sustainable project management, with projects ranging from building schools, roads, bridges and hospitals to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel annually and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of regional and country offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background Information - Iraq

Iraq The Operational Hub is based in Amman, Jordan with sub-offices in Baghdad and Erbil in Iraq. The office currently provides management and support services for projects in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen in the humanitarian and development fields. Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Operational Hub Director and Representative and the direct supervision of the Head of Support Services, the Human Resources Specialist supervises the HR Unit and is responsible for effective delivery of Human Resources services to all personnel and internal/external clients. He/she interprets and implements the Human Resources policies, rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to Human Resources management. The Human Resources Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.

The Human Resources Specialist will provide advice to IQOH management on the transparent implementation of HR strategies, and is responsible for the effective management and delivery of HR services to partners and management of the HR Services Unit in the IQOH, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Summary of Key Functions

• Implementation of HR strategies and policies
• Effective HR management
• Personnel performance management and career development
• Effective management and delivery of HR services to partners
• Facilitation and promotion of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
• Facilitation of admin related activities. Ensures implementation of HR strategies and policies focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of HR activities with UN rules and regulations, UNOPS policies, procedures and strategies; effective implementation of the internal control, proper design and functioning of the HR management system;
• Continuous analysis of corporate HR strategy and policies, assessing the impact of changes and making recommendations on the implementation in the Operational Hub; Continuous research of the matters related to conditions of service, salaries, allowances and other HR policy matters;
• Advice to senior management on HR's new practices and their implementation (succession planning, career development and transition), strategic recruitment, advice on contract modalities, learning plan and performance evaluation);
• Operational Hub HR business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in HR management, control of the workflows in the HR Unit;
• Development of procedures and practices that contribute to enhanced and improved HR management.
• Ensures effective human resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:Management of transparent and competitive recruitment and selection processes including updated job descriptions, proper job classification, vacancy announcement, screening of candidates, organization and chairing of interview panels, making recommendations on recruitment;
• Advice to IQOH management and line management (project managers) on transparent and competitive process for project recruitment, adequate TOR describing terms of payment based on results, standard matrix of recruitment processes and request for contracts. Continuous monitoring of the entire UNOPS recruitment.
• Act as pre-clearance officer/reviewer for ICA cases and as a member of the Local Contracts and Procurement Committee, ensure compliance of the applicable rules and procedures.
• Full compliance with the guidelines of the Appointment and Selection Board and Panel. Advice to the Operational Hub management on contracts guidelines pertaining to staffing compliance. Monitoring and tracking of all transactions related to positions, recruitment, HR data, benefits, earnings/deductions, retroactivity, recoveries, adjustments and separations through PeopleSoft or ERP systems;
• Management of the personnel entitlements and position funding delegated to the HR Unit. Close communication with local Government institutions to solve international personnel-related issues;
• Close communication with HQ´s focal points pertaining to the correct administration of staff members entitlements and benefits. Ensures proper performance management and career development focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration and implementation of the protocol for performance appraisal process, facilitation of the process;
• Implementation of effective systems for performance evaluation, including training to supervisor on the effective use of the tool leading to career development;
• Advice on work plan, monitoring and performance evaluation; Effective learning management including establishment of the Office Learning plan and individual learning plans in collaboration with the Senior Management;

• Effective counselling to personnel on career advancement, development needs, learning possibilities. Effective management and delivery of HR services, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work and development of the HR services business line

• Contribute to meeting and exceeding the business acquisition and delivery targets as agreed on an annual basis for the HR portfolio
• Identify, assist and advise in the development of new business opportunities for HR services.
• Ensure cost-savings to the organization by ensuring efficient and effective contract management of HR personnel
• Support HR related business development initiatives in full coordination with the business development unit;
• Undertake any additional roles related to the management of HR projects as and when requested;

Ensures facilitation and promotion of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Organization of training for the operations/ projects personnel on HR-related topics;
• Development of Operational Hub learning plan in line with office needs in order to ensure personnel are fully acquainted with UNOPS corporate regulations, rules and procedures, and the relevant tools and systems in place;
• Survey and identification of new learning opportunities to enhance the continuous professionalization of Operational Hub personnel;
• Design and implementation of training for operations/ programme personnel on HR issues;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in administration.

Ensures timely facilitation of admin related activities.

Guide timely organization of events, and supervise Travel related activities including ensuring proper completion of Travel Authorization form, calculation of DSA and Terminals and other related travel activities. Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

UNOPS Core Values

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for diversity

Functional Competencies

• Knowledge Management and Learning
• Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to practice areas
• Have teamwork skills and encourages team members to share knowledge and contribute to practice areas
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
• Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Creativity and innovation
• Commitment to continuous Learning
• Accountability
• Planning and organization skills
• Results orientation
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Client orientation
• Technological awareness

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead recruitment, contracts management, performance appraisal, career development management, build teams,maintain high personnel morale
• Excellent knowledge of UNOPS HR strategy and policies Strong IT skills
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect personnel behavioral / attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Education/Experience/Language requirements

Master's Degree or equivalent in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering or related field. Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree with additional two years of relevant working experience may also be considered. Minimum 5 years of experience is required at the national or international level in providing HR advisory services and/or managing personnel and operational systems. Minimum 2 years of experience is required in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS 2003 and/or newer versions).

UN/UNOPS Experience

Minimum of 2 years of UN working experience is an asset. Fluency in English and Arabic required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local ICA support

Contract level: LICA-7

Contract duration: 12 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

More Info and Application