Human Resources Associate (PSA5) (RE-ADVERTISEMENT)

United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About Office/Institute

United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system and is a UNU institute based at the university’s headquarters in Tokyo, dedicated to advancing global efforts towards a more sustainable future. UNU-IAS serves the international community through policy relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, integrating its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The activities of the institute are in three thematic areas: sustainable societies, natural capital and biodiversity, and global change and resilience. The work of UNU-IAS is directed towards priority issues for the UN system and Member States, contributing to high-level policymaking and debates to address problems of global concern. For more information, please visit http://ias.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, under the direct guidance and supervision of the Head of Programme and Administration of UNU-IAS, and in close coordination with the Finance and Administration Analyst, the HR Associate is accountable for HR service provision, transactions, and advice to internal clients on the full HR life cycle administration. The incumbent establishes internal procedures, interprets and applies UNU policies, procedures, and guidelines, provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex HR administrative issues, and, where necessary, monitors compliance with the UNU Personnel Policy and UN Staff Regulations and Rules as appropriate.

The HR Associate works in close collaboration with the UNU Chief of Human Resources, UNU Centre Human Resources, UNU HR Focal Points, and UNDP/GSSU in Copenhagen to resolve complex HR-related issues and information exchange. In addition, the HR Associate liaises with the local authorities.

1. Provides support to the administration and implementation of HR strategies and policies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Monitors compliance of HR activities within UNU Personnel Policy, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNU HR policies and procedures, effective implementation, and proper functioning of the HR management systems;
• Provides advice, support and recommendations to management and personnel on changes, implementation and application of HR regulations, rules, policies, procedures, and entitlements;
• Plans and implements human resources-related strategies identified in the UNU-IAS Strategic Plan, including ensuring a safe and supportive working environment and supporting the professional career development of personnel;
• Supports with developing and implementing HR communication strategies, ensuring effective communication of HR policies, initiatives, and changes to personnel; and
• Acts as the knowledge leader for all personnel areas, including but not limited to Fixed Term Appointments, Personal Service Agreements, and Consultant Contracts.

2. Provides HR administrative services in the field of recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and entitlements focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provides advice on the interpretation and application of HR policies, rules and regulations related to recruitment and staffing;
• Organizes personnel recruitment, contract extension and separation processes, facilitates recruitment processes and vacancy announcements, documents panel recommendations, prepares submission to the Rector, the Director, and to the Central Review Board or Panel;
• Monitors integrity of the processes and understands the connection between HR and financial management;
• Drives and initiates recruitment outreach activities to improve the quality of candidates and their diversity and contributes to positive candidate experience through timely and appropriate communications; and
• Fully briefs and supports personnel in the HR onboarding process.

3. Coordinates personnel performance management, employee engagement, supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing at the Institute:

• Provides personnel and management training and advice on the performance management process and monitors Institute-wide compliance;
• Lead employee engagement initiatives at the institute level;
• Develops, organizes, and provides training/briefing sessions and periodically reviews and updates the knowledge products and information materials, including workflow and user guide, on HR topics in the shared folder;
• Acts as HR leave focal point, trains personnel on absence management module, assists personnel who have questions on leave; provides attendance related reports; and
• Monitors completion of mandatory courses.

4. Provides other HR services focusing on the following:

• Develops diversity and inclusion efforts by implementing strategies to attract, retain, and promote a diverse workforce, and ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all personnel;
• Manages employee relations matters, including conducting investigations, resolving conflicts, and providing guidance on disciplinary procedures and grievance handling, promoting the UN Values and Behaviors framework;
• Supports HR data management, including maintaining accurate employee records, generating reports, and analyzing HR metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement;
• Coordinates HR services on various non-staff contractual modalities including Personal Service Agreement (PSA), Consultant Contract (CTC), Institutional Contractual Agreement (ICA), Intern, and United Nations Volunteer (UNV);
• Coordinates and advises on visa matters and the application process; and
• Member of various task forces.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely, complete, and accurate human resources transactions/activities/documentation
• Timely and quality delivery of recruitment strategies
• Quality and timely, and accurate advice on UNU HR policies and processes
• Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-IAS as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion - Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity - Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behavior, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviors:

• Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyses and Plan - Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways