Human Resources Policy and Legal 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 and is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under challenging circumstances. The agency is primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. UNRWA's mission emphasizes the importance of neutrality, impartiality, and integrity in its operations, ensuring that it serves the needs of the vulnerable communities it supports.

Job Overview:
The Human Resources Policy and Legal Officer plays a crucial role in advising the Director of Human Resources (DHR) on policy issues related to the interpretation and application of regulations, rules, and administrative issuances. This position requires close coordination with the Senior Legal Officer (Administrative Law) to handle substantive and procedural questions related to staff administration and management. The officer will prepare policy guidance, reports, and correspondence, conduct research, and analyze existing human resources practices to propose modifications and draft related policy papers. The role also involves representing the division on internal committees and working groups, reviewing investigation reports, and providing guidance on investigations and allegations of misconduct. The officer will examine HR matters, including Decision Review Requests (DRRs) and appeals submitted to UNRWA's Dispute Tribunal, and draft or review legal correspondence as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide advice to the DHR on policy issues regarding the interpretation and application of HR regulations and rules.
• Handle substantive and procedural questions related to staff administration and management.
• Prepare and assist in the preparation of policy guidance, reports, and correspondence.
• Conduct research and analyze existing HR practices to harmonize procedures Agency-wide.
• Assess the adequacy of existing HR policies and propose modifications.
• Draft policy papers, reports, and opinions considering best practices.
• Represent the division on internal committees related to HR policy development.
• Review investigation reports and coordinate actions related to staff due process and disciplinary matters.
• Provide guidance on investigations and allegations of misconduct. 1
• Examine HR matters, including DRRs and appeals submitted to the Dispute Tribunal. 1
• Draft or review legal correspondence and responses to audits and the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU).

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree (master’s or equivalent) in law from an accredited institution.
• License to practice law in any jurisdiction is required.
• At least five years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in HR policy and legal matters.
• Two years of professional experience with an international organization, preferably in staff entitlements, appeals, grievances, or employment/labor law.
• Candidates must declare any current or past affiliations that could impact their neutrality or independence in performing their duties.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in law from an accredited educational institution. A license to practice law in any jurisdiction is also required, ensuring that the candidate has the necessary legal qualifications to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in human resources policy and legal matters. This includes two years of professional work experience with an international organization, specifically related to staff entitlements, appeals, grievances, and employment or labor law. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside their country of nationality or citizenship.

Languages:
English is the required working language 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, but no additional desirable languages are specified for this job opening.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. The incumbent will be required to reside in Amman and may need to travel occasionally throughout the Agency's area of operations in the Middle East. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates and candidates with disabilities to apply. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same or similar posts when the need arises.