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Section Head, Staff Administration Section (P-5)

Organizational Unit:Staff Administration Section
Division of Human Resources
Department of Management
Duty Station:Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:23 January 2013
Application Deadline:5 February 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:Temporary Assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Human Resources (MTHR) is one of the six divisions in the Department of Management. MTHR provides a wide range of human resource (HR) services, including organizational development, planning, recruitment, staff development, performance management, and administration of compensation and benefits. A comprehensive and integrated HR service that matches the IAEA's HR capacity with its core goals is critical to the quality and efficiency of its programmes. The IAEA has a multicultural workforce of approximately 2300 people from diverse scientific, technical, managerial and professional disciplines.

In the context of an increasingly competitive market for talented staff, the IAEA must offer attractive salaries, benefits and working conditions and provide efficient quality service. The Staff Administration Section is one of three Sections in the Division and consists of three professionals and a team of support staff responsible services including compensation, entitlements and benefits administration and contracting.

The work environment is dynamic with emphasis on continuing HR management reform to incorporate IAEA and United Nations system-wide initiatives.

Main purpose

Reporting to the Director, the Section Head leads a professional team in shaping and implementing efficiently and effectively the programmatic objectives of the Staff Administration Section through innovative policies and streamlining of existing processes.

Role

The Section Head is: (1) a leader and manager, providing guidance and managerial support to the team, and planning resources in the most efficient and effective manner; (2) a substantive expert, leveraging knowledge and experience in the field to policy development and process improvement, (3) an adviserin matters of strategy, policy and complex cases, and (4) a change agent, actively mobilizing staff and resources to implement required changes.

Partnerships

The Section Head fosters the trust of senior management, staff in the Division and IAEA-wide by providing dependable advice and guidance on all issues within the purview of the Section.

The Section Head maintains regular relations with managers, HR specialists in the Division, and Staff Council to determine the need to review existing policies or to obtain support for the development/implementation of new policies.

The Section Head also builds on networks of specialists and counterparts in other international organizations, as well as the public and private sector to gain insights on the implementation of innovative policies and best practices.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Lead and manage an innovative and effective team of professionals and assistants. In alignment with programmatic requirements, maintain a flexible workforce with the right skills mix through recruitment, learning opportunities, broad work assignments, and cross training.
  • Based on recognised best practices and in line with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) requirements, lead the development of an innovative policy framework in the area of Benefits and Entitlements and ensure their efficacy and consistent application throughout the organization. Provide authoritative advice to senior managers on the interpretation of policies.
  • Lead the streamlining and modernization of all administrative HR processes taking into consideration the requirements of the ERP system, and monitor the migration of all HR administrative modules to the ERP. Adapt work assignments and staffing requirements in the Section based on new processes.
  • Provide direction and oversight in the preparation of responses and submissions to UN bodies related to UN Common System benefits and entitlements. Represent the IAEA at inter-Agency committees, boards and working groups on the review of UN Common System benefits and entitlements, such as pension benefits, allowances, grants, leave and travel entitlements and compensation issues, such as salary surveys, post adjustment and daily subsistence allowance, as required.
  • As a senior expert take a leadership role in the resolution of complex and sensitive complaints and appeals, including the use of mediation.
  • In line with the Medium-Term Strategy contribute to the development of Programme and Budget, the establishment/enhancement of a divisional HR strategy, including objectives, milestones, performance indicators and work plans, as well as the evaluation of progress achieved and assessment of lessons learned.
  • Keep abreast of best practices within and outside the UN Common System in the area of benefits, entitlements and compensation policies and practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Programme and Individual Performance
  • In line with the overall strategy, set realistic targets for the team, ensure availability of resources and support needed by the staff to achieve results.
  • Monitor and measure progress in attaining results within established deadlines, and provide regular and effective feedback to staff.
  • Regularly evaluate achievements recognizing and expressing appreciation for good performance, and addressing poor performance.
Analytical and Strategic Thinking
  • Draw logical conclusions based on an analysis of information, identification of critical elements and interrelations, and an evaluation of the consequences of different courses of action.
  • Convert IAEA priorities and goals into strategic action plans.
  • Identify warning signs, anticipate potential problems, and take corrective measures.
Knowledge Management and Development
  • Identify risk areas and develops methods to manage, share and preserve knowledge.
  • Encourage staff to participate in coaching, cross-training and knowledge-sharing activities, and dedicate required resources.
Change Orientation
  • Anticipate need for change, and make change happen by dedicating required resources, setting a direction and course of action to reach change objectives.
  • Achieve buy-in and address concerns of change-resistant staff.
  • Monitor the implementation of change activities.
Communication
  • Facilitate open exchange of information and ideas with others by encouraging both sharing views and feelings, and working towards a consensus.
  • Keep staff informed of decisions, and present them in a manner that generates understanding and acceptance.
Decision-Making
  • Make tough and sensitive decisions despite adverse consequences, but necessary in the interest of the IAEA.
  • Ability to respect the competence and responsibilities of others and delegate decision-making and accountability accordingly.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

  • Advanced university degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Psychology, Behavioural Science, other relevant discipline or equivalent senior level professional experience.
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in management or advisory functions, including significant experience in medium or large organizations.
  • Minimum of three years of experience in an international organization, public sector or non-profit organization, or equivalent.
  • Extensive experience in Human Resource policy development and process reviews.
  • Demonstrated professional competence and success in the resolution of appeals, and in the management of disciplinary cases.
  • Proven experience in successfully leading and executing process improvement reforms, as well as implementing an ERP system.
  • Excellent communication and drafting skills in English. Good presentation skills.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of German an asset. Knowledge of another official language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $80 734 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $45 695*, dependency benefits, diplomatic status, rental subsidyeducation grantrelocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation,home leavepension plan and health insurance.

How to apply to the IAEA

Complete an Online Application

* Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.