Senior HR Policy Officer, P4 (Geneva or remote work)

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The position is located within the Division of Human Resources (DHR). The Division¿s mission statement indicates that DHR is a strategic, trusted and innovative business partner in enabling UNHCR to protect and respond to persons of concern by attracting, motivating, retaining and developing a talented, diverse and agile workforce, while nurturing a culture of excellence, respect and wellbeing for all.

The incumbent of this position supports the UNHCR¿s People Strategy and contributes to the implementation of the 2018 independent HR review which resulted in the establishment of HR strategic priorities and the reconfiguration and transformation of the Division from a largely transactional model into a strategic business partner for field operations and senior management.

The position is part of the HR Policy Section within the Human Resources Operational Partnership Service, and the incumbent contributes to the Service’s strategic planning with focus on HR policies to analyse legal implications, to ensure consistency of applications, as well as adherence to the UN Staff Regulations and Rules.

The staff member supervises one professional staff member at P-3 level. Under the supervision of the Chief of Section and the guidance of the Deputy Director of the Division of Human Resources, the incumbent ensures that the technical and substantive aspects of the Organisation’s HR Policies support the broader HR strategy and UNHCR mandate.

The staff member keeps close relationship within UNHCR with the HR staff and the HR Partners, who seek advice and provide client support, as well as with outside groups such as the HR Network Standing Committee on Field Duty Stations (HR Field Group), the ICSC and inter-agency working groups.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Research and prepare policy papers and technical proposals on HR policies and procedures to meet UNHCR’s evolving operational needs.
• Participate in internal working groups and task forces within DHR and other sections and ensure that the HR perspective is presented and taken into account.
• Establish close partnership with HR staff and relevant managers from Bureaux and Divisions and the Staff Council.
• Maintain an open system of information exchange on policy needs, developments, implementation and interpretation.
• Promote UNHCR¿s HR interests in external HR fora such as the HR Field Group, ICSC, and various Inter-agency Working Groups.
• Ensure consistent UNHCR policy framework, compatible with UN common system and the UN Staff Regulations and Rules.
• Supervise and manage the development/updating of the knowledgebase of the policy framework of the Department of Human Resources (Intranet, Staff Administration Management Manual (SAMM), Workday Knowledgebase etc.)
• Issue regular and up to date SOPs, FAQs and guidelines to HR Professionals, staff and managers.
• Consult, gather, exchange and clarify information pertaining to policy development and implementation with a wide range of UNHCR staff and managers at all levels, the Staff Council and Joint Advisory Committee members, and liaise with a wide range of UN partners including the ICSC and peers in other International Organisations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Human Resources;
Law;
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Society of HR Mgmt Accreditat.;
CP-HRM;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Very good knowledge of human resources. Ability to draft policies and position papers. Highly developed drafting, analytical, communication, IT and negotiation skills.
Desirable
Knowledge of UN system, of its bodies (ICSC, HLCM, etc), its practices, standards and processes. Understanding of legal implications on HR policies. Experience in providing technical advice. Experience in human resources outside of the United Nations. Experience in the management of change and demonstrated commitment to continuous learning. Prior exposure to field conditions with the United Nations. Knowledge of other UN languages.