Staff Relations Senior Consultant (Remote)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, color, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are currently seeking two Consultants to provide support to the Staff Relations Branch of the Human Resources Division on a short-term basis. The position will be home-based.

The Staff Relations Branch (HRMSR) reports to the Director, Human Resources Division and is responsible for providing strategic advice to senior management in connection with employee 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 promote a healthy workplace environment and constructive relations between staff and management, including through consultations on policy initiatives and through informal resolution of grievances and potential workplace conflict.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, 19 May (at 11:59pm Rome time zone)

DURATION OF CONTRACT: Until 31 December 2024, with the possibility of an extension

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Handle a wide range of disciplinary matters of varying degrees of sensitivity and complexity, including in relation to alleged harassment, abuse of authority and sexual misconduct: review and analyze fact-finding reports and underlying evidence, provide advice to HR management and draft relevant documentation, including memoranda for informed decision-making by senior management and employee notifications.

2. Advise on the implementation of protective measures for employees, including non-disciplinary suspension pending investigation or disciplinary processes.

3. Work on effectively addressing concerns of inappropriate and abusive behaviour: engage with employees concerned, gather relevant information, recommend possible action and support managerial interventions.

4. Contribute to designing and implementing improved policies and procedures in the above areas of work.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

Provision of sound and practical written and verbal advice and assistance in the above areas of responsibility, ensuring timely delivery of quality outputs.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Advanced university degree in Law or Human Resources Management; or University degree with additional years of experience

Experience:

• At least 5 to 10 years of professional experience in the field of human resources management or law.
• Practical experience in advising on investigative and disciplinary matters, employment grievances and disputes is a strong asset.
• Coaching, mediation, conflict resolution training and/or experience is desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Expertise in the fields of human resources management, employment disputes, investigative and/or disciplinary matters within the UN system is required.
• A good understanding of the policy and/or legal implications of decisions in employment disputes and in matters of discipline and conduct, is expected.
• Ability to advise management in matters requiring a balancing of competing priorities and levels of risk exposure.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills, as well as ability to provide support to management.
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively. Strong analytical skills and ability to independently conduct research, process information, prepare reports, and provide advice on a range of relatively complex issues, with a solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to establish and maintain effective, respectful and harmonious working relations with all individuals, regardless of gender, nationality and cultural background.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

Languages:

• Working knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English.
• Fluency in Arabic, French, Spanish, or Portuguese is desirable.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.