Human Resources Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and was established following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. The organization operates globally, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to help countries implement environmentally sound policies. UNEP has a significant presence in various countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Human Resources Assistant position is integral to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) located in Montreal, Canada. The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of human resource management functions, including recruitment, placement, and performance appraisal, ensuring adherence to regulations and procedures. The role also encompasses budget and finance responsibilities, where the assistant will monitor expenditures, prepare financial reports, and support finance officers. General administration duties include managing travel arrangements, drafting correspondence, and maintaining documentation. The position requires extensive coordination with service units and internal team members, as well as assisting with data collection and analysis for decision-making purposes. The role is designed to support the overall mission of the UNEP and the SCBD in promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Resources Assistant will carry out a comprehensive set of duties including: initiating and processing human resource activities such as recruitment and performance appraisals; maintaining administrative data for time and attendance; monitoring budget expenditures and preparing financial reports; managing administrative arrangements for staff travel and meetings; drafting routine correspondence; maintaining up-to-date files and documentation; coordinating with various service units; assisting with data collection and analysis; and managing contracts with external service providers. The assistant will also be responsible for auditing contractor invoices and processing payments, ensuring compliance with UN regulations and procedures. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of courses in human resources, business administration, finance, or public administration is desirable. The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, management, or administrative services. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to three years. Experience in the UN common system or international public organizations is preferred, along with client service management experience and familiarity with Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems. Experience in data analytics is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum. Candidates who have completed courses in human resources, business administration, finance, or public administration will be viewed favorably. A first-level university degree or higher can substitute for some of the required work experience, indicating that educational qualifications are an important aspect of the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as human resources, management, or administrative services. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience within the UN system or similar international organizations is highly desirable, as is experience in client service management and payment processing. Familiarity with ERP systems and data analytics is also beneficial, indicating that the role demands a solid background in both administrative and financial 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 French or Spanish, or another UN language, is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas. This language requirement emphasizes the need for effective communication within a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Canada. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and is dedicated to creating a respectful environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.