HR Senior Assistant (Retainer)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS East and Southern Africa Multi Country Office (ESAMCO) is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and manages a growing portfolio of engagements across multiple countries in East and South Africa. Established to address strategic and operational risks, ESAMCO collaborates with various UN agencies, including UN-Habitat and UNEP, to implement transactional and operational projects in countries such as Kenya, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and several island states. The organization is committed to effective project services and management, ensuring compliance with UN rules and regulations while promoting sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The HR Senior Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the HR Manager by providing technical and administrative support for various HR processes. This includes timely processing, recording, and maintaining HR transactions in accordance with UNOPS policies. The HR Senior Assistant serves as a primary contact for clients, addressing inquiries related to HR services and initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure that new hires have a positive onboarding experience and that HR services are delivered efficiently. The role also involves contributing to policy development, providing advisory services, and supporting talent acquisition and administration efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HR Senior Assistant's duties include supporting HR policy development and implementation by collecting data on trends and best practices. The role involves providing advice on administrative procedures, acting as a liaison between clients and the HR unit, and ensuring a positive onboarding experience for new hires. Responsibilities also encompass managing recruitment processes, including reference checks and interview organization, maintaining HR records, and monitoring the status of HR actions. The HR Senior Assistant is expected to facilitate training initiatives, contribute to knowledge sharing, and ensure compliance with HR processes, ultimately impacting the organization's credibility as a service provider.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Secondary School Certificate, with a diploma or first university degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related fields being advantageous. The role requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in HR services for those with a Secondary School Certificate, two years for those with a diploma, and one year for those with a bachelor's degree. Proficiency in office software and HR Information Systems is essential, and experience within the UN system is desirable. Strong communication skills and the ability to provide customer service are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for the HR Senior Assistant position include a Secondary School Certificate as a minimum. A diploma in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or Public Administration is preferred and can substitute for some years of experience. A first university degree in a related field is also advantageous and may reduce the required years of experience needed for the role.

Experience:
The position requires varying levels of experience based on educational qualifications. Candidates with a Secondary School Certificate must have at least five years of relevant HR experience, while those with a diploma need two years, and those with a bachelor's degree require one year of experience. Experience in international or national organizations providing HR services is essential, and familiarity with UN systems is considered a plus. Proficiency in using HR Information Systems and office software is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile and ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Local Individual Contractor Agreement on a retainer basis, with a contract level classified as Local ICA Support - 5 (ICS 5). The contract duration is one year, renewable based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The retainer contract specifies a unit price per day worked, with no minimum guaranteed hours, and payment is made only after work completion. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must complete mandatory courses before commencing work, and background checks are conducted for all potential personnel.