Chief, HR Policies and Administrative Law

Org. Setting and Reporting UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 25,000 staff and complementary personnel across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The incumbent of this post reports to the Director of Human Resources (DHR). The incumbent of the post provides direct supervision to a number of professional and general services staff members and/or other personnel. Responsibilities Manages the Human Resources Policies and Administrative Law Division (HRPAL); plans and coordinates the Division s work objectives ensuring that comprehensive objectives and work plans are established and met; identifies and resolves any operational/management issues affecting the quality of services provided by the Division. Develops human resources (HR) policies, practices, and procedures to meet the evolving Agency needs in the context of strategic planning, goals, and objectives and provides proactive and innovative approaches and guidelines on the interpretation and implementation of the Agency s policies and procedures related to the delivery of human resources services in consultations with stakeholders across the Agency at HQ, field and Executive Management level. Prepares rules, policy, position papers and proposals representing UNRWA s views on human resources issues and reforms in all areas of HR including recruitment/staffing, staff development, performance management, grievances and HR legal, HR services, benefits and entitlements and staff wellbeing to ensure contemporary, UN-aligned HR practices across UNRWA; provides advice to Field and HQ management in line with the policies and guidelines ensuring consistent application across the Agency and undertaking applicable reviews of HR practices in Fields and HQ; coordinates with DLA, as required, in consultation with DHR; Leads and directs the work of subordinate staff in relation to appeals and grievances; in close collaboration with DLA contributes to designing, maintaining and updating the administrative and employment law systems for Agency staff; Represents HRD in inter-agency meetings and inter-agency cooperation projects as assigned by DHR; holds consultations with staff unions, government representative or inter-agency officials or missions as instructed. Acts for the Director during his or her absence, with full responsibility for HRD when designated by DHR; keeps abreast of wider UN issuances and international best practices and trends by liaising with professional peers, attending meetings and seminars, conducting research and analyzing the impact of such developments and issuances on the Agency s HR strategies, policies and procedures; reviews and updates the Agency s Staff Rules and Regulations and policy issuances; accordingly, Serve as the primary policy advisor to the Director of Human Resources, providing strategic guidance and expertise on HR policies and practices; ensures consistent application of HR policies across the Agency through training for managers and other stakeholders in the Field Offices in best HR practices and lessons learned; coordinates with the Department of Legal Affairs on disciplinary and appeals processes. Deputizes the Director of Human Resources. Competencies UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Leading and Supervising Relating and Networking Formulating Strategies and Concepts Managing Complexity and Change Innovating and Taking Risks

Desired Candidate Profile

Education Advanced university degree (master s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in human resources management, public or business administration, law or in a related area such as social or behavioral sciences. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience At least ten years of relevant and progressive/varied human resources experience, including a minimum of five years in the UN system, or in international or governmental institutions at a senior supervisory level. In addition to at least five years of experience in human resources regulatory framework design, including staff relations and case management, as well as a minimum of five years of experience leading and managing teams is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have at least two 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 is required. Familiarity with the history of contemporary problems in the Middle East is desirable. Familiarity with UN Common System practices is desirable.