Background
UNDP The Gambia has a progressive Country Programme covering a wide range of related issues. These include climate resilience, disaster risk management, renewable energy, sustainable chemicals and waste management, and sustainable natural resource management, sustaining peace, transitional justice, democracy, rule of law, human rights, local governance and anticorruption. The Programme also pursues linkages with other issues addressing issues such as poverty eradication, economic transformation, inequalities and conflict prevention under the framework of Sustainable Development Goals.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) are designed in full alignment with the 2030 agenda, The strategic priorities of UNDP The Gambia for the next five-years are encapsulated under three outcome areas: 1) Sustainable environment and climate resilience; 2) Responsive, accountable governance and peacebuilding, 3) Green, inclusive economic growth – all of which are operationalized through the Programme team through various projects.
The Programme team oversees effective implementation of the country Programme and its outcomes and strategic direction of UNDP, contribution to UN cooperation framework. In doing so, the Programme team provides high level advice on programming and technical issues, and further has a responsibility of developing, providing oversight, and ensuring adherence to the quality standards of UNDP. The team is also responsible for resource mobilization and to maintain effective partnerships with relevant development partners and government, UN Agencies, IFIs, government institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector, and civil society in the designated support areas.
Within The Gambia Country Office (CO), the Operations Team provides Programme with backbone support and services related to finance, procurement, human resources, digital services, travel, and logistics, as well as common services and CO transactions support. The team further provides demand-driven Common services to the UN agencies (per agreed procedures). In addition, the team will provide administrative support to UNDP Staff including project personnel on areas such as protocol, visa facilitation, travel, and others.
The Human Resources (HR) unit, a key unit within the Operations Team provides support to Country Office (CO) management in ensuring that the office is appropriately staffed with high quality and engaged personnel who receive the guidance, feedback, and development they need to fully contribute to the CO’s agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. The HR team applies strategic human resource management policies, procedures, programs, and solutions – that leverage both technology and analytics – to promote a strong people management culture and high performing, diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
Position Purpose
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative, and supervision of the Operations Manager, the HR Associate provides leadership in execution of the full range of CO HR services ensuring their transparency and integrity. The HR Associate promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach and promotes the maintenance of high staff morale.
The HR Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, and project teams in the CO, UNDP HQ OHR Business Partners, and staff in GSSC and other UN Agencies to exchange information and resolve HR-related issues.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Key Duties and Accountabilities
1. Ensure administration and implementation of HR strategies and policies:
Ensure full compliance of HR recording and reporting systems with UN rules and regulations, and UNDP policies, procedures, and strategies; effective implementation of internal controls; and proper functioning of the HR management system; Support CO HR business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal HR management Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) where needed in CO to supplement SOPs issued by GSSC/OHR. Adapt processes and procedures where necessary to meet the needs of CO; Provide advice and share information on corporate strategies, changes in rules and regulations, implementation of HR policies, proper use of contractual modalities, application of benefits and entitlements, workforce planning, position management, job classification, performance management, personnel needs and wellbeing, career development and other HR related matters; Collect information and provide support to UNDP’s participation in inter-agency exercises and surveys, such as comprehensive and interim local salary, hardship, and place-to-place surveys, in coordination with the direct supervisor; Coordinate and provide HR support to the UN-system; Advise on the risk management of Country Office HR activities to proactively manage and mitigate the risk.2. Ensure effective administration of CO human resources recruitment and staffing processes:
Organize recruitment processes in coordination with GSSC and Hiring Managers that includes drafting job descriptions, providing input to job classification process, drafting vacancy announcements, screening candidates, participating in interview panels, and submission of compliance review cases as per the actions delegated to the CO. In coordination with Hiring Managers, submit requests and appropriate documentation to GSSC for non-delegated actions; Provide advice on recruitment in UNDP projects and facilitate recruitment at the request of partner agencies; Facilitate creation and update of positions in ERP, and association and update of positions to chart fields, in coordination with budget owners; Follow up with Finance staff and GSSC on Global payroll issues; Monitor and track all transactions related to positions, recruitment, benefits, earnings/deductions, retroactivity, recoveries, adjustments, and separations through ERP, in coordination with GSSC as applicable; Maintain the CO staffing table and administer CO local rosters where relevant; Validate cost-recovery charges in ERP for HR services provided by UNDP to other Agencies; Initiate contract management, payroll, and separations in coordination with GSSC in accordance with the delegation of authority given to Country Office.3. Ensure proper staff performance management, talent management and career development in the CO:
Facilitate the performance and talent management processes and maintain related data acting as Secretary to formal CO management groups responsible for collectively reviewing and discussing CO staff performance, talent, and development needs; Participate in preparation of the CO-wide Learning plan in consultation with the Senior Management, and Talent Development Manager.4. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO:
Organize training for the Operations and projects staff on HR issues; Provide input for the co-creation of a local onboarding plan, leveraging corporate resources; Share information with personnel on corporate learning and development initiatives, systems, and platforms in coordination with the Talent Development Manager; Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in HR; Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline;
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements;
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback;
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible;
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident;
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships;
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Development:
Knowledge Facilitation Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.Business Management:
Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. Working with Evidence and Data Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.HR
Assessment and Selection Knowledge and ability to apply various candidate assessment and selection methodologies, tools and platforms; ability to effectively align them with specific recruitment needs. Performance Management Knowledge of and ability to guide the application of performance management theory, systems and tools, incl. articulation of expectations, setting objectives and performance standards; conducting performance related discussions and performance coaching; ability to develop performance management and appraisal processes that minimize biases. Managing Compensation and Benefits Ability to design compensation plans which are aligned to current and future organization needs and market conditions; knowledge of and ability to apply the ICSC compensation methodologies and principles. Knowledge of and ability to design benefits-related processes, programmes, and tools, including benefit enrolment and amendments. Learning and Development Ability to identify organizational learning priorities aligned with the business strategy using key stakeholder involvement to ensure appropriate learning and optimal return-on-investment.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary education with specialized certification in HR is required; A university degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or an equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement;Experience, Knowledge and Skills:
Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible HR and/or administrative experience at the national or international level is required; Experience in handling web-based management/ERP systems such as Quantum, UNall, etc., is an added advantage; Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP is required; Prior experience with UNDP/UN agencies or other international organizations will be an asset; Experience in compiling, analyzing, and presenting HR data to inform decision-making is highly desirable; Experience in reviewing /drafting jobs descriptions and interview reports is desired; Additional certifications/trainings in HR and people management related areas are highly desirable.Language Requirements:
Fluency in English the UN language of the duty station is required; Fluency in at least one local language of the duty station is an advantage – Mandinka, Wollof, Fula, Jola etc.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Probation
For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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