Hardship LevelA (least hardship)

Family TypeFamily

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradeNOA

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Remote work acceptedNo

Target Start Date2024-01-01

Job Posting End DateDecember 11, 2023

Standard Job Description

Assistant Human Resources Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Assistant Human Resources Officer will function under direct supervision of the (Senior) Administrative or Human Resources Officer. Incumbent will handle HR related activities within the country/ operation, and he/she may directly supervise, coach and guide locally recruited staff responsible for the personnel administration and other HR related matters. He/she will assist the (Senior) Officer responsible for Administration/ Human Resources in the process of staffing and budget reviews, recruitment and appointment of staff, and in the performance management and staff welfare issues. Incumbent will have close working relationship with the staff-related services in UNHCR, such as the Personnel Administration Section (PAS), Affiliate Partnerships and Recruitment Section (APRS). Assignments Management Section (AMS), Talent Development and Performance Section (TDPS), Staff Health & Wellbeing Service (SHWS) and Global Learning and Development Centre (GLDC).

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Provide input in the preparation of the annual operations programme review submissions, and in the review of the training needs of the staff, making appropriate proposals to meet identified needs.
- Advise and counsel staff members on their rights, obligations, benefits and entitlements in line with UN/UNHCR staff rules and regulations.
- Assist in timely advertising and filling of General Service and National Officer vacancies. Prepare submissions for the review by the local Assignments Committee (AC). Process recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Conduct regular audit and verification of personnel records in the office, including audit of MSRP entries into HR module, as well as of the attendance, overtime and leave records. Monitor maintenance of the daily tracking system to ensure accurate information is provided on staff and families in case of emergency. Provide support, guidance and training to all staff performing personnel administration and other HR related functions.
- Brief newly-arrived international staff on related administrative formalities; process and follow up on their accreditations and other related documents, and arrange for their onward travel to the field office, if applicable.
- Supervise administration of UNHCR medical insurance plan for locally recruited staff. Assist staff and dependants in case of medical evacuation.
- Assist in HR related activities of the security evacuation plan, ensuring relocations/evacuations are managed and administered in line with the provisions of the UN Security Management System Policy.
- Maintain liaison with the support sections and divisions at headquarters, specifically with DHRM, on matters related to the recruitment and personnel administration support, medical and other issues of staff welfare and safety.
- Enforce local compliance with the UN/UNHCR staff rules and regulations, as well as with the performance management system.
- Clear issuance and extension of contracts for locally recruited staff.
- Clear payments related to personnel issues such as settlement of travel claims, overtime claims, hazard pay, MIP reimbursements, medical and security evacuations, shipment costs.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Human Resources Management; Law; Administration; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Good knowledge of UNHCR administrative procedures and processes and exposure to provision of support services in an international organization.
Desirable
Knowledge of UN/UNHCR field operational realities, especially in hardship duty stations. Field experience with UNHCR and/or with other humanitarian organizations is an asset. High IT affinity and working experience of PeopleSoft/MSRP HR module, as well as with MSRP Financials and Focus.

Functional Skills
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
HR-PeopleSoft Human Capital Management
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
PG-Resource planning
FO-Operational activities in hardship duty stations
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile The candidate will work in a regional environment, therefore high level of organizational awareness as well as excellent organizational and coordination skills are required. Drafting skills and excellent command of both in English and Spanish languages are required for this position considering the interaction required with multiple stakeholders within the region and at Headquarters. The candidate is expected to work independently, be very client oriented, able to find solutions for individual cases, be open minded and innovative. Ability to handle HR matters with tact, diplomacy, respect for confidentiality is a basic requirement. Demonstrated ability to set priorities and to adjust to constantly changing operational needs are required. S/he is expected to possess high level of computer literacy as s/he will be the focal point for Workday, COMPASS positions management for the region, workforce dashboards, hence prior strong knowledge and working experience with these systems are a must. The candidate should be a team player, solutions, and goal oriented, able to coordinate work to meet agreed priorities and deadlines. As the candidate will fill a strategic position in the HR Bureau sub-unit supporting the countries operations, s/he is expected to have a solid and practical experience in vacancy management, personnel administration, HR processes with a clear understanding of the HR transformation process in UNHCR and how it impacts and translates into his/her daily duties. Good capacity building skills/training experience are desirable for this role. Prior documented experience in annual operations program reviews, staffing and budget reviews is equally important. Good people management skills and the ability to create and maintain an enabling work environment are important.

Applicants may be requested to sit down for an assessment.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): Spanish

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The incumbent of this position is based in the Regional Bureau for Americas reporting to the Senior HR Officer being part of the HR Sub-Unit support to Country operations under the overall leadership of the Senior HR Partner. The role involves regular interactions with Headquarters entities (AMS, APRS, HRSS) and with colleagues at all levels in the region including senior management on Workday, vacancy management and other HR related issues. S/he acts as a focal point for Workday, workforce dashboards and COMPASS positions management related matters and provide support to managers, HR, and staff members alike. S/he will be involved in regional workforce planning, in the annual operations program review and quality control assurance, therefore prior experience in these activities is highly important. S/he will act as alternate Secretary for the Regional Assignment Committee (RAC) and be involved in the oversight of vacancy management processes for positions submitted to the RAC. S/he will support the HR Officers in the 13 operations in the region providing technical expertise.

Living and Working Conditions:

Panama City is classified 'A' Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. -In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level '1 minimal' whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level '2 low'. The city is a communication hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. -UNHCR offices are located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called 'Ciudad del Saber' where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as International Schools, NGOs and research centres, etc. -The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area. -In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighbouring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common week end activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law

Certifications

Work Experience

CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

Recommended for you