Org. Setting and ReportingUNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The Human Resources Policy and Legal Officer reports to the Chief, HR Policies and Administrative Law Division. ResponsibilitiesIn close coordination with the Senior Legal Officer (Administrative Law), provides advice to the Director of Human Resources (DHR) on policy issues related to the interpretation and application of the regulations, rules and other administrative issuances taking into account past practice and jurisprudence; handles substantive and procedural questions related to administration and management of staff; Prepares and assists in the preparation of policy guidance, reports and correspondence; conducts research and prepares or assists in the preparation of analysis of existing human resources practices and prepares guidance to harmonize practices Agency-wide and procedures to meet the evolving needs of the Agency; assesses the adequacy of existing HR policies, identifies issues that require change, proposes modifications and drafts related policy papers, reports and opinions, taking into account best practice of the Agency and the United Nations Common system in general; represents the division on internal committees and working groups related to HR policy development and coordination; Reviews Department of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS) investigation reports, and coordinates related actions related to staff due process and disciplinary matters; provides guidance to the DHR on investigations and allegations of misconduct; advises DHR, through the incumbents’ supervisors, whether to support recommendations from the Fields to terminate for misconduct; Examines and provides technical HR input on HR matters, including Decision Review Requests (DRRs) and appeals submitted by International and Area staff submitted to UNRWA's Dispute Tribunal and Department of Legal Affairs; Drafts or reviews miscellaneous reports and correspondence of a legal nature, as required, including responses to audits and the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU). CompetenciesUN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Applying Technical Expertise Analyzing Relating and Networking Planning and Organizing Learning and Researching EducationAdvanced University degree (master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in law. License to practice law in any jurisdiction. Job - Specific QualificationLicense to practice law in any jurisdiction is required. Work ExperienceAt least five years of progressively responsible and relevant experience is required. Two years of professional work experience with an international organization, preferably on matters related to staff entitlements, appeals, grievances and/or employment/labour law is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have a minimum of two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number is required. Advanced University degree (master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in law is required. license to practice law in any jurisdiction is required. Candidates are required to make a declaration as to whether they have any current or past affiliations with non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, political organisations, military, or have/are engaged in activities or have made any public statements, that could be seen to impact their neutrality, objectivity or independence in the performance of their duties for the UN / UNRWA. Any declaration will not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration for this post. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).