Chief, HR Policies and Administrative Law

Org. Setting and ReportingUNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working 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. ResponsibilitiesManages 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. Deputising for the Director of Human Resources. CompetenciesUN Core Values of integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply. Functional: i. Leading and Supervising ii. Relating and Networking iii. Formulating Strategies and Concepts Leadership: i. Managing Complexity and Change ii. Innovating and Taking Risks EducationAdvanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in in human resources management, public or business administration, law or in a related area such as social or behavioral sciences. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt 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 is required. A minimum of five years’ experience related to human resources regulatory framework design, including staff relations and case management 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. Candidates are required to make a declaration as to whether they have any current or past affiliations with non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, political organisations, military, or have/are engaged in activities or have made any public statements, that could be seen to impact their neutrality, objectivity or independence in the performance of their duties for the UN / UNRWA. Any declaration will not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration for this post. License to practice law in any jurisdiction is desired. Experience in UN administrative law is desired. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).