HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (RE-ADVERTISEMENT)

UNDP Global Mission Statement: UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement: UNDP Afghanistan is supporting the Government to find innovative solutions to its development challenges based on the on-going Country Programme Document approved by the Executive Board for the period 2006 – 2009. A new Country Programme Document was approved by the Executive Board during September 2009 for the period 2010-2013. Key priority areas for UNDP assistance are in strengthening democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and reducing poverty. UNDP is strengthening the institutional capacities of key national government and sub-national authorities which aim to enhance human security, human development, peace and stability in Afghanistan. Organizational Context: Under the guidance of the Country Director and direct supervisor of Deputy Country Director (Operations), the Human Resources Specialist is responsible for transparent implementation of HR strategies in Country Office (CO) HR Unit. He/she interprets and applies HR policies, rules and regulations, establishes internal procedures and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex HR issues. The HR Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach and contributes to the maintenance of high staff morale. He/she will work in close collaboration with the operations, programme and projects teams in the CO and HQ to analyze strategic business needs, formulate the CO HR strategies and implement corporate human resources programmes to attract, develop, motivate and retain the most suitable talent in the CO and ensure successful CO performance in HR management. He/She manages/supervises the Learning Unit which identifies critical learning needs, access to learning opportunities and ensures effective transfer of learning into practice. He/She oversees establishment and implementation of learning plan for the CO and learning plans at the unit/individual levels. Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions: Strategy and Policy Services: Review CO units plans with senior management and business units, and develop targeted HR strategies and interventions to achieve business objectives. In close partnership and collaboration with other units, develops work plans, manage activities against expected results. Assesses impact of corporate HR policies on staffing and business operations and provide feedback to corporate unit partners to support policy formulation and benchmarking. Policy Advisory Services: Provides technical and operational support and guidance on policy application and interpretation. Recommends solutions to highly complex and exceptional cases. Assesses the implementation of country office operations against corporate objectives and deliverables, and evaluates plans and results. Recommends corrective measures to ensure goals and objectives are met. Implements the strategies on staff well-being related issues in cooperation with other bureaus. Implements and coordinates the grievance procedures relating to Workplace Harassment, Sexual Harassment and follow up Abuse of Authority in close cooperation with HQ and other Bureaus. Implementation of effective HR management: Bridges the gap between corporate level priorities, the HR strategy and policy development and execution at the CO level of corporate-directed programmes, e.g. knowledge practice, talent management, change management, workforce planning, learning. Exercise delegated authority to manage day to day activities and reports to senior management on periodic basis decisions taken. Recommends change in strategy and plans with a view to achieving the CO objectives. Advises on classification of posts within the established delegated authority and application of generic profiles. Manages timely and appropriate selection and/or supervision of external consultants and works closely with other colleagues to ensure efficient management and use of limited resources. Ascertains human resource requirements for the CO ensuring the timely advertisement and filling of vacancies both national and international. Participates in the selection of candidates and submits appropriate recommendations. Oversees interviews and recruitment process (testing of new candidates, verification of educational qualifications and credentials, references and previous employment record). Advises on entitlements and career prospects. Participates as ex-officio with the Career Review Group for international staff. Monitor, advises and acts on disciplinary matters in accordance with established rules and procedures. Mediates conflict for the CO both national and international staff. Knowledge Management/Partnerships: Raises awareness of CO on corporate strategic issues. Plans and initiatives to maximize utilization, implementation and reporting on results. In a highly matrix manner, ensure an integrated and coherent approach on policy implementation and services for the staff. Participates in corporate UNDP networks and maintains up-to-date knowledge of trends and best practices. Distills best practices and comparative experiences. Proposes quality enhancements in order to maximize policy impact and relevance. Content Management by ensuring (1) Best Practices are continuously identified, documented and made available to clients and peers through intranet/network a (2) appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available. Ensure the maintenance on the Country Office intranet portal of comprehensive Human Resources information for staff and managers including standard operating procedures, process workflows, user guides and frequently asked questions. Team Management: The incumbent is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of UNDP resources including: People Management through recruitment, performance and career management of staff to motivate and promote organizational excellence. Leads and guides the RCA exercise throughout the year. Contract Management including implementing recruitment processes and providing oversight to contract implementation and payroll administration. Information Technology Management through leveraging ATLAS functionality for improved business results, simplification of transaction and reporting tools. Manage workload of the HR unit with a systematic and data-driven approach. Develop and implement metrics to monitor unit work volume. Develop and implement metrics of staff workload and productivity Develop and implement metrics of response time to clients Ensure that the Service Tracking System (STS) is used effectively for client billing and tracking of personnel actions. Develop monthly management reports/dashboards of HR progress, status and productivity at the country office level. Workforce Analysis and Planning: Provide tools and information to assist line managers to more effectively exercise their people management responsibilities. Raise awareness of senior managers to key workforce facts and trends and current approaches to human resources management. Promote better planning and strategic deployment of staff in UNDP Afghanistan. Provide important baseline data to encourage and advocate fact based management practices in the country office and projects. Ensure the implementation of OHR policies and, in that connection, to report on the impact of different policies in the workforce. HR Staff Development and Capacity Building: Build capacity of CO Human Resources staff through training, briefings, and learning programmes in accordance with UNDP’s to talent management and knowledge practice. Devise and implement a comprehensive strategy to improve the overall knowledge, skills and abilities of the Human Resources staff in the country office. Facilitate individual learning through individual learning plans, and frequent review of progress against these plans. Develop a culture and capacity for national staff ownership of all HR policies, procedures, and responsiveness to clients. Promote and support Human Resources training and certification for staff. Ensure adequate learning time is available for all staff.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards. Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Treats all people fairly without favoritism. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP practice areas. Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas Develops deep understanding in one or more Practice Areas Promotes a learning environment 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 staff morale. Excellent knowledge of UNDP HR strategy and policies. Strong IT skills. Ability to implement new systems (business side) and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change. Management and Leadership Focuses on impact and result for the client Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited educational institution in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. Experience: 7 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing HR advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and experience in handling of web based management systems. Language: Fluency in English language. Application: Interested and qualified International candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm Please ensure that you upload your UN Personal History Form-P11 (available at http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm ) in the relevant field of the on-line applications. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date 13 November 2010 will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications who are short-listed will be contacted. For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af Candidates, who are currently holding UNDP or UN Agencies contracts, are asked to declare the type contract and duration, in their application”. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.