HR Specialist

The WHO Global Service Centre (GSC) provides client-oriented administrative services to all staff and all WHO offices worldwide in the respect of human resources operations, payroll, procurement, accounts payable and support of specific corporate IT applications. The aim of the Centre Support Office (CSO) is to provide the swift and reliable delivery of a comprehensive array of services to all GSC and Information Management Managment and Technology, Kuala Lumpur (IMT-KL) staff based in the Centre, in the following areas: budget and finance, administration, human resources, business operations and medical services. The objectives of Centre Human Resources (CHR) are to carry out all human resources activities for the Centre, including human resources planning and analysis, staffing and recruitment, policy interpretation, learning and development, performance management and providing advice on human resources matters to management and staff.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Management Officer, GSC, and working closely with the Unit Heads of IMT-KL, Global Procurement & Logistics, Global Finance, Global Human Resources and Global Payroll in GSC, the Office of the Assistant Director General and the Human Resources and Talent Management Department (HRT) in Headquarters Geneva, the incumbent provides human resources management services, managing a team of dedicated HR staff in GSC and has overall responsibility in managing a wide spectrum of human resources functions in support of the delivery of HR services in the areas of human resources planning, selections, recruitment, contract administration, entitlements and benefits, performance management, staff training, learning and development and providing advice to staff at all levels in the GSC and IMT-KL. Specifically, the incumbent will:

• Motivate, lead, guide and manage a team of HR staff and ensure efficient provision of HR support services to all staff in the GSC and IMT-KL;
• Ensure consistency and encourage best practice in the implementation of WHO human resources policies contained in the Staff Rules and Regulations and the WHO e-Manual;
• Set the objectives for the team, manage performance, identify staff development needs and appropriate learning possibilities;
• Provide guidance and specialist advice to management and staff of the business units in GSC on
• recruitment policies and practices, selection processes and any related policy issues, pro-actively assisting them in equipping their teams with the high-calibre technically skilled and competent staff,
• the interpretation of staff rules and regulations, the application of HR entitlements and conditions of service, liaising with the Human Resources and Talent Management Department (HRT) when necessary;
• Review and analyze sensitive and complex HR cases, interpret rules, policies and procedures applying to such cases, providing solutions or, if appropriate, submit recommendations for exceptions in line with the established approval process;
• Manage and provide advice on workplace conflicts and disputes;
• In consultation with the HRT, review and provide input on cases of administration of justice, disciplinary cases and appeals, as appropriate;
• Liaise with GSC Senior Management Team to provide strategic advice and counsel in addressing employee and organizational issues, including employee relations and disciplinary issues;
• Oversee the administration of the Performance Management Development System (PMDS) and provide guidance on staff underperformance;
• Collaborate/cooperate with Salary Survey Specialists and members of the Local Salary Survey Committee to ensure that General Service salary surveys are conducted within the framework of the approved survey methodology;
• Organize and coordinate Cost-of-Living/Place-to-Place/Housing surveys conducted by the ICSC/UN from time to time;
• Participate in inter-agency coordination meetings as required and act as focal point and resource person on HR-related issues;
• Interact closely with external staffing agencies;
• Liaise with hospitals, Staff Health Insurance (SHI) unit in Geneva and SHI WPRO regarding SHI policies and claims;
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, Behavioural/Social Sciences or another area relevant to the position.

Desirable:

• Training in conflict management is highly desirable.

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 7 years of broad, extensive professional human resources management experience, in particular talent acquisition (recruitment and selections) at increasing level of responsibility at the international level,
• At least 4 years in a recent human resources managerial position at the international level, including regional or country/field experience,
• Demonstrated experience providing advice and guidance to senior management teams,
• Demonstrated recent experience in conflict management/negotiation.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge and skills of overall HR management functions, policies, procedures, principles and their practical applications in a work setting;
• Strong planning and organizational skills;
• Ability to analyze issues and to present information in a clear and logical manner, both orally and in writing;
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills in a client services context;
• Tact, diplomacy and high degree of discretion;
• Proven ability to relate well with staff at all levels and of diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Good understanding of HR computerized information systems;
• Ability to use an automated ERP/HR system such as Oracle eBusiness suite.

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.
• Intermediate knowledge of official WHO language.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2401407