Background Info - UNOPS
'UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.' Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General.
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, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.
By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.
UNOPS employs around 3,500 personnel annually and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.
Background Info - Job-specific
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the HR Director, Deputy HR Director, Head of Support Services or Operations Manager, the Human Resources Specialist supervises the HR Unit, 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 andregulations 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 functions/duties/key results of this job description are generic and may not always be applicable, nor comprehensive, for all jobs under this job title.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Functional Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions
- Implementation of HR strategies and policies
- Effective HR management
- Personnel performance management and career development
- Facilitation and promotion of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
Ensures implementation of HR strategies and policies focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Full compliance of HR activities with UN rules and regulations, UNOPS policies, procedures and strategies; effective implementation of theinternal 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 Regional Office. Continuous research of the matters related to conditions of service, salaries, allowances and other HR policy matters.
- Advice to senior management on HR new practices and their implementation (succession planning, career development and transition),strategic recruitment, advice on contract modalities, learning plan and performance evaluation).
- Regional Office 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.
- Development and maintenance of data base of job applications.
- Advice to 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 project recruitment process.
- Full compliance with the guidelines of the Appointment and Selection Panel.
- Advice to the Regional Office management in 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 the performance evaluation, including training to supervisor for an 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.
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 Regional Office 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 Regional Office 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.
Required Competencies
UNOPS Core Values/Competencies
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for diversity
- Creativity and innovation
- Commitment to continuous Learning
- Accountability
- Planning and organization skills
- Results orientation
- Strong oral and written communications skills:
- Teamwork skills
- Client orientation
- Technological awareness
Functional Competencies
- Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to practice areas
- 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
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
- Master's Degree or equivalent in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. Applicants with a Bachelors Degree with additional two years of relevant working experience may also be considered.
Experience
- 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.
Additional Considerations
UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the job.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Based on organizational needs at the time of recruitment, applicants accepted into this UNOPS roster pool may be considered for job at the advertised job level or its equivalent. The successful candidate(s) may be offered a contract governed by the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules or UNOPS individual contractor agreement.
