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 (Staff Relations) Officer at P3 level, which will be based in Staff Relations Branch of the Human Resources Division at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
The Staff Relations Branch (HRMTR) reports through the Deputy Director to the HR Division Director and is responsible for providing strategic advice to senior management in connection with grievances and disciplinary matters. The branch's goal is to protect the integrity and efficiency of the Programme, while also ensuring that WFP's internal justice system reflects principles of fairness and due process. In addition, Staff Relations works with managers, other offices, and staff representative bodies to advance the People Strategy by promoting a healthy workplace environment and constructive staff-management relations, including through consultations on policy initiatives and through informal resolution of grievances and potential workplace conflict.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Resources (Staff Relations) Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Staff-Management Relations, Coordination and Collaboration:
· Provide background briefings and propose positions to Chief, Staff Relations and senior management on issues related to staff-management relations;
· Enable and support process of informal and formal consultation with Staff Representative Bodies on initiatives related to WFP’s People Strategy;
· Provide secretariat and liaison support for relations between management and staff representatives; follow-up with relevant parties on issues arising from staff-management discussions and agreements;
· Participate in divisional, inter-divisional and inter-agency meetings and working groups on related areas of work.
Internal Justice System:
· Analyse and review investigation reports on misconduct and recommend appropriate action in disciplinary cases;
· Administer the due process requirements and internal policies related to performance rebuttal process and performance-based separations;
· Review grievances from employees and advise on appropriate resolution thereof in accordance with established staff regulations, rules, policies and procedures,;
· Participate in relevant ad hoc working groups internally and at the inter-agency levels;
· Keep abreast of legal and other related developments in areas of internal administration of justice;
· Provide proactive and innovative approaches to delivery of HRMTR services.
· Identify trends and systemic issues in practice and jurisprudence of United Nations system in area of work, and develop appropriate recommendations to management to address such issues.
Advisory Services:
· Provide technical advice and support, and policy guidance to the Chief, Staff Relations Branch, to field HR Officers and to managers both in HQ and the field on disputes, grievances, as well as issues of conduct and underperformance;
· Provide policy and procedural advice and recommendations to the Unit Chief, HR Officers worldwide and senior management on HRMTR area of work, especially on managing probationary performance, Harassment, Sexual harassment and Abuse of Power (HSHAP) and contract conversion exercise;
· Provide advice and guidance to managers, HR staff and others on code of conduct, grievances, rights, duties and responsibilities;
· Evaluate impact of human resources-related policies and make initial recommendations to develop related policies to meet evolving WFP needs;
· Support human resources staff in other offices.
Other:
· Prepare reports and participate and/or lead special HR/HRMTR project(s); 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 incumbent's supervision;
· Plan, contribute to, and implement HRMTR initiatives in the field of advocacy and awareness-raising;
· Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Education:
· Advanced university degree in Law or Industrial/Labour Relations is required;
· Admission to practice law in at least one national jurisdiction is an asset.
Experience:
· At least five years of postgraduate, progressively responsible professional experience in the field of administrative/employment law is required;
· Experience in a United Nations system organization is desirable.
Technical Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:
· 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;
· Good theoretical knowledge of legal issues arising in human resources practice (preferably administrative and/or employment/labour law), in particular the application of legal principles, concepts and policies;
· 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 and positive manner;
· Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts, managers and staff;
· Sound judgment 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;
· Ability to spot and analyse potential problems, identify exceptions and propose solutions in a proactive manner; formulate effective human resources operations where methodology is established or human resources problems have precedents;
· Develop human resources procedures that meet the Unit’s needs or improve upon already established procedures.
Language:
· Working knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another UN official language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian or Chinese) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages); n
HOW TO APPLY:
Application procedures:
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 above in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.
