Chief, HR Policies and Administrative Law

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 25,000 staff and complementary personnel across five areas of operation, UNRWA is dedicated to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. The agency operates in various countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza, and is primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. UNRWA's mission is to provide education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to Palestine refugees, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld. For more information about UNRWA, visit their official website at https://www.unrwa.org/.

Job Overview:
The Chief of HR Policies and Administrative Law Division (HRPAL) plays a crucial role in managing the human resources policies and administrative law within UNRWA. This position involves planning and coordinating the division's work objectives, ensuring that comprehensive objectives and work plans are established and met. The incumbent will develop human resources policies, practices, and procedures that align with the evolving needs of the Agency, providing innovative approaches and guidelines for the interpretation and implementation of these policies. The Chief will also prepare rules, policy papers, and proposals that represent UNRWA's views on various HR issues, ensuring that contemporary and UN-aligned HR practices are maintained across the organization. The role requires close collaboration with stakeholders at all levels, including Field and HQ management, and involves leading and directing subordinate staff in relation to appeals and grievances. Additionally, the Chief will represent HRD in inter-agency meetings and projects, act on behalf of the Director of Human Resources during their absence, and keep abreast of wider UN issuances and international best practices to inform the Agency's HR strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of HR Policies and Administrative Law Division is responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Managing the HRPAL Division, ensuring that work objectives are met and operational issues are resolved.
• Developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that meet the Agency's strategic goals.
• Preparing rules, policy papers, and proposals on HR issues, including recruitment, staff development, performance management, and staff wellbeing.
• Advising Field and HQ management on HR policies and ensuring consistent application across the Agency.
• Leading and directing subordinate staff in handling appeals and grievances, and maintaining administrative and employment law systems.
• Representing HRD in inter-agency meetings and consultations with staff unions and government representatives.
• Keeping updated on UN issuances and trends, and reviewing the Agency's Staff Rules and Regulations.
• Serving as the primary policy advisor to the Director of Human Resources and providing strategic guidance on HR practices.
• Coordinating with the Department of Legal Affairs on disciplinary and appeals processes. 1
• Deputizing for the Director of Human Resources as needed.

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 field. Additionally, candidates should have at least ten years of relevant and progressive human resources experience, including a minimum of five years in the UN system or in international or governmental institutions at a senior supervisory level. Experience in human resources regulatory framework design, staff relations, and case management is essential, along with a minimum of five years of experience leading and managing teams. Candidates must also have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of nationality. Familiarity with the history of contemporary problems in the Middle East and UN Common System practices is desirable.

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 in a related area such as social or behavioral sciences is required for this position. A first-level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree, but work experience alone or formal qualifications without relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have at least ten years of relevant and progressive human resources experience, including a minimum of five years in the UN system or in international or governmental institutions at a senior supervisory level. This experience should include a strong background in human resources regulatory framework design, staff relations, and case management, as well as leading and managing teams. Additionally, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of nationality, which is crucial for understanding the international context of the role.

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. Familiarity with Arabic and/or another official language is desirable, as it may enhance communication within the diverse environment of UNRWA and its stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Fixed Term contract for one year, with the possibility of further extension. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, Inspira, and late applications will not be accepted. Candidates must provide accurate and complete information regarding their work experience and educational background. UNRWA has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and conducts thorough background checks on all recommended candidates. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. Selected candidates may be placed on a roster for future similar positions. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.