Human Resources Officer P2 , World Food Programme (WFP)

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are currently seeking qualified individuals for two positions of Human Resources Officer at P2 level, which will be based in Staff Relations Unit of the Human Resources Division at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

Staff Relations Unit (HRS) reports directly to the HR Division Director and is responsible for the management and administration of HR processes related to misconduct, discipline, performance rebuttal process, terminations for cause, staff grievances and complaints and staff-management relations. The Unit’s main internal collaborators include the Office of Investigations, the Legal Office, HR Officers and senior management worldwide. The incumbent will be under the general supervision of the Chief of HRS and the direct supervision of a P3 or P4 HR Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Resources Officer P2 will be responsible for some of the following duties:

OPERATIONS:

• Review, and prepare initial draft positions on investigation report, performance rebuttal requests, informal complaints on and contract-related grievances from non-staff categories of employees in line with the organisation’s policies - for review by a more senior HR Officer;
• Initiate fact finding process into Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Power (HSHAP) informal complaints lodged with HR;
• Recommend management responses, providing legally sound basis for proposed courses of management action to allegations of misconduct, complaints/grievances, management or staff requests for unsatisfactory performance-related issues;
• Review and research previous HR historical cases and tribunal jurisprudence to guide the Unit's area of work;
• Review and present initial positions and recommendations on specific cases and/or general policy interpretation issues;
• Initiate administration of the contract conversion (to Continuing appointment) for the HQ General Service category;
• Participate in briefing sessions on HRS area of work, including in the orientation programme and technical briefings on HRS area of work;
• Participate in relevant ad hoc working groups internally;
• Keep abreast of legal and other related developments in areas of administration of justice.

ADVISORY SERVICES:

• Provide advice and counsel staff in respect of rights, responsibilities, code of conduct and difficulties associated with work and entitlements;
• Provide initial review and recommendations to the HRS Officers/Unit Chief, HR Officers worldwide on HRS area of work, especially on managing probationary performance, HSHAP and contract conversion exercise;
• Provide initial analysis of disciplinary and employment termination issues, evaluate impact of policies on WFP and make sound recommendations to develop related policies to meet evolving WFP needs;
• Research trends and systemic issues in ILO Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT) and United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) jurisprudence, and propose recommendations to HR management to address such issues;
• Support human resources staff in other offices;
• Provide proactive and innovative approaches to delivery of HRS services.

COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION:

• Participate in divisional and inter-divisional meetings and working groups on related areas of work;
• Plan, contribute to, and implement approved HRS initiatives.

OTHER:

• Ensure the Unit’s databases properly reflect accurate statistical data on case management;
• Prepare initial reports and participate in special HR/HRS project(s) to ensure quality control and timely turn-around of cases;
• Contribute to developing branch's work plan and ensure compliance with own work plan;
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education:

• University degree in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration. Advanced university degree related to the job is desirable;
• Qualifying legal experience and certification, preferably in employment/labour relations, and admission to practice law in at least one national jurisdiction, are desirable.

Experience:

• At least three years of postgraduate professional experience, preferably including as a Legal Officer/Advisor or in the field of administrative/employment law, is required;
• Experience with staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations of a United Nations or international multilateral organization, is desirable.

Technical Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:

• Theoretical knowledge of law (preferably administrative and/or employment/labour law), in particular the application of legal principles, concepts and policies to the review, examination and processing of a range of legal issues and documents;
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner, including drafting/preparing briefing notes, presentations, administrative decision proposals/submissions and reporting effectively;
• Good analytical skills, ability to conduct legal research on a range of relatively complex HR issues, analyse data on intricate issues, draw conclusions, propose recommendations for a course of action and rationale for human resources decisions;
• Ability to move own work forward despite changes in operational requirements, organisational priorities etc. and to solve potential problems and negative outcomes in a proactive manner;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients and provide client oriented service by gaining their trust and respect;
• Sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential material;
• Ability to identify client’s needs and match them to appropriate solutions;
• Ability to maintain an environment that promotes respectful communication with all individuals regardless of gender, national and cultural background.

Language:

• Working knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian or Chinese) or Portuguese as a WFP working language.

Special Notice: Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however currently classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is re-designated as rotational or the incumbent applies and is reassigned to a rotational position.

How to apply:

Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/12-0012520 Step 1: Create your online CV. Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application. NOTE: You must complete Step 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.

Deadline for applications: 30 April 2012