UNDP Jobs - 53895- Policy Specialist

Policy Specialist

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

06-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

More than a year; Fixed Term Appointment

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Good people management is an integral part of UNDP’s strategy that can only be achieved by managers who are empowered, responsible and accountable for managing their staff, and by staff who are skilled, competent and are well motivated to effectively contribute to UNDP’s program delivery. The Office of Human Resources will provide the means for effective people management through a comprehensive review of the HR policies, enhanced policy advisory services, coaching and training. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, HR Policy and Compensation and in close collaboration with the Administrative Law practice in the Legal Support Office and the P4 Policy Specialists in the HR Policy unit, the Policy Specialist provides substantive input in the formulation, application and interpretation the Staff Rules and HR policies and procedures and in research and preparation of the relevant advisement on associated risks of new and existing policies, exceptions, precedents and overall management decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

Undertakes analyses, in collaboration with other HR units and in consultation with LSO, of the implication and associated risks of HR policies, management decisions on complex HR matters and recommends practical HR solutions. Supports the revision of the HR policies. Provides expert analyses of the risks entailed; drafts position documents and advises on individual matters;
Performs extensive research and analysis on substantive issues and, in close coordination with the Legal Support Office (LSO), prepares opinions of a HR policy nature on matters involving unusual and/or complex HR issues, including matters for which no or few precedents exist;
Provides ongoing risk based policy advice to managers and HR experts and coordinates with LSO as appropriate, on matters relating to the application of the Staff Regulations, Rules and procedures governing the human resources management;
Analyses tribunal decisions and identifies areas where systematic or policy changes may be warranted in order to strengthen UNDP’s accountability and/or allow operational units to carry out their functions more effectively and efficiently, including continual review and updating of standard texts, policies and procedures, in consultation with the concerned substantive units;
Provides input to HR strategies and capacity building initiatives, in formulating training materials and developing tools that facilitate accountability and risk management. Delivers programs to HR colleagues and managers to better support them in decision making and problem solving.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Innovation:

Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Leadership:

Ability to persuade others to follow.

People Management:

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Communication:

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Delivery:

Ability to get things done.

Technical/Functional:

Primary:

Knowledge of UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UN Charter, relevant General Assembly resolutions and other relevant legislative documents;
Client orientation; Constructive approach to resolution of problems; timely support and respect for deadlines;
Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret rules and guidelines;
Developing innovative solutions and contributing creative solutions to address challenging situations;
Integrity and probity;ability to work with utmost discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters;
Excellent communications skills, oral and written.

Secondary:

Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge;
Building strong and productive partnerships with various actors and clients;
Sound judgment and personal maturity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced degree in Law (Masters level) with specialization in international and/or administrative law.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years practical experience in the application of legal principles and concepts and in the analysis and application of rules and policies. Practice of international administrative in a multi-cultural environment is a significant advantage.

Language:

Expert knowledge of written and oral English is required, Intermediate knowledge of French and Spanish is desirable.

Additional qualifications:

Experience in drafting HR management policies;
Experience working with, applying and interpreting the United Nations HR legal framework is an advantage.