Senior Human Resources Policy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates in five areas of operation, focusing on delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to the most vulnerable communities. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. For more details on UNRWA, please visit their official website at https://www.unrwa.org/.

Job Overview:
The Senior Human Resources Policy Officer plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing HR policies within UNRWA. Reporting to the Chief of the HR Policies and Administrative Law Division, this position involves close collaboration with HR colleagues at both Headquarters and Field offices. The officer is responsible for reviewing proposed policies, ensuring their feasibility and compatibility with existing regulations, and advising on their impact across various functional areas. This role also includes providing guidance on the application of HR policies and UN Staff Rules to senior management and staff, developing innovative solutions to HR challenges, and preparing position papers for discussions at inter-organizational forums. The officer will contribute to the effective implementation of HR policies through briefings and awareness-raising activities, ensuring alignment with the agency's strategic priorities and the UN Common system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Human Resources Policy Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating with HR colleagues to review and advise on proposed, new, or revised HR policies, ensuring they align with existing rules and guidelines.
• Establishing clear priorities for HR policy development and ensuring compatibility among policies.
• Providing interpretation and guidance on HR policies and practices to senior management and staff.
• Assisting the Director of Human Resources in developing and implementing HR management policies and procedures.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of new or revised policies and conducting research on HR strategies.
• Developing innovative solutions tailored to the agency's unique needs.
• Preparing position papers for discussions at HR Network and ICSC meetings.
• Representing HR in working groups or task forces reviewing HR policies.
• Conducting HR policy briefings and awareness-raising activities to ensure effective policy roll-out.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in human resources management, public or business administration, law, or a related social or behavioral science field. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human resources policy development is required. Candidates must also have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Experience in UN administrative law is desirable, and candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of HR policies and practices.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in human resources management, public or business administration, law, or a related social or behavioral science field is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. It is essential that all university degrees are stated in the application, where applicable.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human resources policy development. This experience should include at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and the candidate's country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Experience in UN administrative law is considered an asset, and candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing HR policies.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum 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 advantage. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for detailed language proficiency requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of 2 years, which may be extended. The incumbent will be required to travel within the Agency’s area of operations. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, Inspira, and late applications will not be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) should accurately reflect the candidate's work experience and educational background. UNRWA personnel must ensure that their contract type and grade level are included in their applications. The agency disqualifies applicants whose names appear on the UN Sanctions List or who have been separated for reasons of misconduct. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.