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Human Resources Officer P4 , World Food Programme (WFP)

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are currently seeking to fill the position of Human Resources Officer at P4 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 Director of the Human Resources Division and the direct supervision of the Chief of HRS.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Resources Officer P4 will be responsible for the following duties:

OPERATIONS:

  • Administer the HR aspects of misconduct and the disciplinary process in accordance with established staff regulations, rules, policies and procedures;
  • Review investigation findings and provide policy and procedural advice prior to the initiation of disciplinary, the disciplinary rebuttal processes and decision-making proceedings, including on measures to be taken against staff members and employees;
  • Review recommendations from managers, provide advice to HR management and initiate the relevant administrative process regarding the termination of employment contracts for cause; and other administrative proceedings that require due process;
  • Coordinate and/or provide advice to managers and staff on the employment terminations process, and other HR complex issues/questions;
  • Keep abreast of legal and other related developments in areas of administration of justice.

ADVISORY SERVICES:

  • Provide expert level strategic and procedural advice and recommendations to the Unit Chief, HR Officers worldwide and senior management on HRS area of work;
  • Provide proactive and innovative approaches to delivery of HRS services;
  • Provide in-depth analysis of disciplinary and employment termination issues, evaluate impact of policies on WFP and make sound recommendations to develop related complex policies to meet evolving WFP needs;
  • Identify trends and systemic issues in ILO Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT) and United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) jurisprudence, and develop appropriate recommendations to management to address such issues; and briefing senior management on cases and issues emerging from the administration of justice system.

COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION:

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

OTHER:

  • Prepare reports and participate and/or lead special HR/HRS project(s); Deputize for the Chief of HRS in his/her absence;
  • Supervise the work of a junior HR Officer and an Administrative Assistant to ensure quality control and timely turn-around of cases;
  • Contribute to developing branch's work plan. Prepare and ensure compliance with own work plan as well as that of staff under supervision;
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education:

  • Advanced university degree in Law; OR University degree in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration with qualifying legal experience related to the job;
  • Admission to practice law in at least one national jurisdiction is desirable.

Experience:

  • At least eight years (of which 3 international) of progressively responsible postgraduate legal experience, preferably including as a Legal Officer/Advisor or in the field of administrative/employment law, is required;
  • Experience with application of staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations of a United Nations system organization, is desirable.

Technical Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:

  • Good theoretical knowledge of law (preferably administrative, employment and/or 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 ability to draft/prepare briefing notes, presentations, legal submissions and reports and to communicate effectively orally;
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct legal research on a range of relatively complex and intricate issues;
  • Ability to move work forward despite changes in operational requirements, organisational priorities etc. and to solve potential problems and negative outcomes in a proactive manner;
  • Sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential material;
  • Ability to create and maintain an environment that promotes respectful communication with all individuals regardless of gender, national and cultural background;
  • Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time efficiently;
  • Develop human resources procedures that meet the Unit’s needs or improve upon already established procedures.

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/12-0012519 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