Human Resources Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages individuals who are passionate about humanitarian work to apply for positions within the agency.

Job Overview:
The Human Resources Officer will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing various human resources functions within the UNRWA. The incumbent will report directly to the Head of the section and will be responsible for directing, controlling, and verifying all actions taken by the HQ Area and Complementary Personnel Section that impact area staff members. This includes recruitment, appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment, entitlements, medical insurance plans, and separations, ensuring compliance with Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. The officer will provide regular support to the supervisor on HR-related issues with agency-wide implications, assist HR teams in HQ and Field Offices, and develop systemic solutions to personnel issues. The role also involves conducting research and analysis, identifying staff development objectives, and liaising with staff representatives to clarify entitlements and address complaints. The Human Resources Officer will be expected to prepare statistical reports, manage personnel files, and ensure confidentiality and accuracy in all records.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct and verify actions related to recruitment, appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment, entitlements, and separations for area staff members, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Support HR teams in HQ and Field Offices on HR policies impacting service delivery.
• Review and analyze personnel cases, develop systemic solutions, and propose changes to personnel policies.
• Conduct research and analysis for HR responses to appeal cases.
• Identify staff development objectives and coordinate training for junior personnel staff.
• Liaise with staff representatives to clarify entitlements and investigate complaints.
• Review and recommend decisions on complex cases related to staff entitlements.
• Prepare and supervise the preparation of statistical reports on staff entitlements and employment categories.
• Provide systematic briefing arrangements for new entrants and retirees, and counsel staff on personnel matters. 1
• Supervise the management of documents within the Area and Complementary Personnel Services Section, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in business or public administration, human resources management, behavioral or social sciences, or a related discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in human resources and/or personnel and general administration, with a minimum of three years in a supervisory capacity. Exposure to human resources workshops and training is desirable, as is professional training in Human Resources Management. Knowledge of UNRWA's Staff Rules and Regulations is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in a relevant field such as business or public administration, human resources management, behavioral or social sciences, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human resources management within the context of UNRWA's operations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible relevant experience in human resources and/or personnel and general administration. Out of these seven years, at least three years should be in a supervisory role. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the complexities of HR functions and can effectively manage personnel-related issues within the agency.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and while it is not mandatory, proficiency in French may be considered an asset for candidates applying for this position.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, which includes a probation period. There is a possibility of extension based on the availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and continuing need for the position. The grade and salary for this role is Grade 17, with a monthly basic salary of JD 1156.60, plus a special occupational allowance (SOA) of 69.90% of the basic salary. Other benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution (15.4% of basic salary paid by the Agency), compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. This vacancy is open to internal candidates only, and only candidates residing in Jordan and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible to apply. UNRWA will not facilitate the issuance of work permits, and candidates must have a valid work permit to be considered for the position.