Human Resources Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Human Resources Management Section of the Executive Office of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. DESA was established to support the work of the United Nations in promoting sustainable development and social progress. The organization focuses on a wide range of issues including economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, providing essential services and support to various UN bodies and member states. The Executive Office itself plays a crucial role in coordinating human resources, finance, and administrative support across various UN offices, ensuring that the organization runs smoothly and effectively.

Job Overview:
The Human Resources Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the recruitment and placement processes within the United Nations. This position involves assisting with the issuance of job openings, evaluating and screening applications, and coordinating with various offices to facilitate the hiring of staff and non-staff positions. The incumbent will also be involved in staff development and career support training, helping to manage performance-related activities. The role requires a strong understanding of human resources policies and practices, particularly those related to the United Nations, and the ability to apply these in a practical setting. The Human Resources Assistant will be expected to provide general office support, maintain records, and assist in the preparation of reports and presentations related to HR data. This position is essential for ensuring that the HR functions within DESA are carried out efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall mission of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Resources Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting with the issuance of job openings and the filling of posts for both staff and non-staff positions; initiating and following up on reference checks and academic verifications; ensuring the completion of pre-recruitment formalities; preparing and dispatching job offers; maintaining case files; evaluating and screening applications; coordinating with substantive offices and selected candidates regarding hiring processes; assisting with training-related activities; supporting performance management activities; reviewing and processing classification requests; providing advice on classification procedures; drafting correspondence and communications; maintaining reference files; serving as the focal point for IT applications related to recruitment; scheduling appointments and meetings; conducting research on HR-related issues; collecting and analyzing HR data; preparing data presentations and reports; updating information materials; performing administrative duties; and providing guidance to less experienced staff. The role requires a proactive approach and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher is preferred and can reduce the minimum experience requirement. A minimum of five years of experience in human resources management, administrative services, or a related area is required, with a reduction to three years for those with a relevant degree. Experience with the Staff Selection System and non-staff hiring procedures is essential, as is proficiency in using Inspira and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning Systems is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related fields. Experience working in an Executive Office is also considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will be given preference, as this can reduce the required years of experience. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to human resources management or administrative services, which would provide a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in human resources management, administrative services, or a related area. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of HR functions within the United Nations framework. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to three years. Specific experience in the Staff Selection System and non-staff hiring procedures is mandatory, as well as proficiency in using Inspira and Microsoft Office applications. Additional experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, as is experience working in an Executive Office setting, which would provide valuable insights into the operational dynamics of high-level administrative functions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's profile. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms is essential for the role, as the Human Resources Assistant will be required to draft correspondence, engage with clients, and participate in meetings.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York, where the position is located. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The position may involve periodic movement to new functions in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of recruiting staff on a wide geographical basis and places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity under conditions of equality. The organization is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.