HR Specialist

The HR Specialist, Personnel Relations reports to the Deputy Director, People and Culture, and is the focal point in PCG on all personnel relations and representation matters. 

S/he is responsible for advising internal stakeholders – including personnel (staff and individual contractors), staff and personnel associations, and management – on the interpretation and application of UNOPS’s HR/people policies.

The HR Specialist assists the Deputy Director in developing and implementing systems, policies and procedures to foster and mature UNOPS’s personnel relations architecture while providing relevant training and support to personnel, staff and personnel associations, and management on these systems, policies and procedures.

S/he ensures that personnel relations practices are well embedded across UNOPS and reinforce the organization’s culture – aligned to UN core values, enhancing accountability, and promoting transparency and communication.

In performing their role, the HR Specialist, Personnel Relations applies strategic thinking, demonstrates high levels of discretion in handling sensitive topics,  and manages communications with stakeholders effectively.

Functional Responsibilities:

• Personnel Relations Advisory
• Policy Development and Implementation
• Training and Support
• Relationship Building
• Trend Monitoring and Analysis

Personnel Relations Advisory:

• Provide expert advice and guidance to personnel, staff and personnel associations, and management on HR issues related to personnel relations.
• Under the guidance of PCG management, ensure that UNOPS has a framework and mechanism for effective personnel representation, including regular fora for global personnel representation and management discussions.
• Coordinate all PCG communications with personnel representatives, e.g. through regular interactions and updates, agenda setting and internal follow-up on related issues.
• Through the PCG Director, update and advise EO on relevant personnel relations issues to ensure effective communications and prioritization of relevant issues

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Establish the new global personnel forum. Facilitate the forum’s activities, coordinate all forum meetings on behalf of PCG and ensure robust follow-up on relevant forum action items.
• Contribute to the development and drive implementation of PCG systems, policies and procedures related to personnel relations.
• Ensure that personnel relations policies are continuously aligned with the organization’s strategic goals, culture, and UN core values. Focus on enhancing organizational culture through effective personnel relations.
• Focus on initiatives that strengthen organizational culture rooted in UN values and promote efficient and effective management-personnel relations.

Training and Support:

• Provide training and support to personnel, personnel and staff associations, and management on staff relations policies and procedures.
• Foster a culture of understanding and compliance with personnel relations policies.

Relationship Building:

• Develop, maintain, and facilitate effective working relationships with personnel, personnel and staff associations, and management.
• Promote a positive and collaborative working environment through effective partnering with stakeholders across different units, functions, and regions of the organization.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address and resolve personnel relations issues effectively.
• Collaborate with other HR professionals to ensure consistency and alignment of HR policies and practices.
• Participate in the development and implementation of HR programs and initiatives.

Trend Monitoring and Analysis:

• Monitor and analyze trends in personnel relations issues and recommend appropriate actions to address them.
• Proactively identify and resolve emerging personnel relations challenges.
• The HR Specialist, Personnel Relations contributes to fostering and strengthening UNOPS’s organizational culture of leadership, accountability, transparency, communication and collaboration through the development and implementation of effective personnel relations policies and practices which are aligned with the organization’s strategy.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources management, business administration, law, or related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree and two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, employee relations, or related areas.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to staff/personnel relations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills is desirable.

Language Requirements :

• Full working knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.

Source:  https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=27748#1