HR Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to address development challenges. UNDP's mission is to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing expert advice, training, and support for development initiatives. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the contributions of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The HR Associate position is crucial for the effective management of human resources within the Country Office (CO). Under the guidance of the Human Resources Analyst, the HR Associate is responsible for executing a comprehensive range of HR services, ensuring transparency and integrity in all HR processes. This role requires a collaborative and client-oriented approach, promoting high staff morale and engagement. The HR Associate will work closely with various teams within the CO, including Programme, Operations, and project teams, as well as with UNDP HQ OHR Business Partners and other UN Agencies. The position emphasizes the importance of strategic human resource management, leveraging technology and analytics to foster a high-performing and inclusive workplace. The HR Associate will also supervise support staff within the HR Unit, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the HR function in the CO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HR Associate will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including: 1) Administration and implementation of HR strategies and policies, ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations, and UNDP policies. This includes advising on corporate strategies, workforce planning, and performance management. 2) Effective administration of recruitment and staffing processes, which involves organizing recruitment processes, drafting job descriptions, screening candidates, and facilitating the hiring process in coordination with GSSC and Hiring Managers. 3) Management of staff performance and talent development, including facilitating performance management processes, promoting learning opportunities, and supporting onboarding for new hires. 4) Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing within the CO, organizing training sessions, and synthesizing lessons learned in HR practices. The HR Associate will also perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and may supervise support staff in the HR unit.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a secondary education with specialized certification in HR. A university degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should possess a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible HR and/or administrative experience at the national or international level, or 4 years with a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with UN regulations and UNDP policies is advantageous, as is experience in the humanitarian field with UN, NGOs, or INGOs. Candidates should also have experience in recruitment and selection processes, as well as in organizing training and developing training materials.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have secondary education with specialized certification in HR. A university degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field will be considered an asset, although it is not a strict requirement for the position. The educational background should ideally provide a solid foundation in human resource management principles and practices.

Experience:
The HR Associate position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible HR and/or administrative experience at the national or international level. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree may qualify with 4 years of relevant experience. This experience should include a strong understanding of HR processes, recruitment, and performance management, as well as familiarity with UNDP's operational context and policies.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in both English and Arabic to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders within the organization and the communities served.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role within the UNDP Country Office in Damascus, Syria. It may involve supervising support staff in the HR unit. The role is subject to a probationary period for new fixed-term appointments, and UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to be cautious of potential scams.