Human Resources Officer (Staff Relations)

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 and is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. UNRWA is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it seeks individuals who are passionate about contributing to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Human Resources Officer (Staff Relations) position is a critical role within UNRWA's Human Resources Department, specifically designed for internal candidates only. The incumbent will report directly to the Head Field Human Resources Office (HFHRO) and will not have any direct supervisees. The primary functions of this role include managing the grievance process, providing technical advice and policy guidance on disputes and grievances, and supporting staff-management relations. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that all HR aspects of the grievance process are handled in a timely and effective manner, including reviewing and analyzing complaints, preparing drafts and recommendations, and maintaining up-to-date records. Additionally, the officer will assist in informal and formal consultations with staff representative bodies and provide secretariat support for relations between management and staff representatives. This position requires a proactive approach to conflict resolution and a commitment to upholding the agency's values and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Human Resources Officer (Staff Relations) include:

• Ensuring the timely performance of HR aspects of the grievance process, including reviewing, fact-finding, analyzing, and preparing drafts and recommendations on complaints and grievances.
• Managing the end-to-end petitions/complaints process, ensuring adequate study and fair recommendations are provided within quality standards and time frames.
• Supporting the Head, Field Human Resources Office and other officers in staff-management relations, providing background briefings, and proposing positions on related issues.
• Assisting in providing technical advice and policy guidance on disputes, grievances, and issues of conduct and underperformance.
• Liaising with the Department of Legal Affairs on appeals from Field staff and following up on appeals and settlements of cases.
• Maintaining consistency in imposing disciplinary measures and assisting in recommending proportionate disciplinary actions.
• Acting as secretary of the field office’s Decision Review Committee, preparing agendas, and drafting responses for review requests.
• Conducting awareness sessions on the Agency’s Rules and Regulations and responding to staff inquiries regarding procedures for submitting complaints.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Human Resources Officer (Staff Relations) position include:

• A university degree from an accredited educational institution in law, industrial/labour/employee relations, business or public administration, human resources management, organizational development, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in human resources management, preferably in employee relations or law within an international, governmental, or commercial organization.
• Experience in the interpretation and application of staff regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency in using various Microsoft Applications such as Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, and other related applications.
• Current involvement in outside activities, including employment, independent contracting, or voluntary work, is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited educational institution in a relevant field such as law, industrial/labour/employee relations, business or public administration, human resources management, or organizational development. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human resources management and staff relations within the context of UNRWA's operations.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in human resources management. This experience should preferably be in employee relations or law within an international, governmental, or commercial organization. The candidate's experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of HR processes, conflict resolution, and the application of staff regulations and policies.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. English and Arabic are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Fixed-Term Appointment for one year, including a one-year probation period, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The grade for this position is Grade 15, with a monthly basic salary of JD 997.300 fils, plus a Senior Professional Officer Allowance (SPOA) of 25% of the basic salary. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. The agency also provides sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave. This vacancy is open to internal candidates only, and only those residing in Jordan and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible to apply. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.