Chief of Service, Human Resources Management

Organizational Context

The Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) provides global management strategy and policy leadership, fostering accountability and innovation. The Office of Human Resources (OHR) develops HR frameworks and policies to support the UN Secretariat's mandates. The Administrative Law Division (ALD) ensures adherence to conduct standards and provides legal advice. The Disciplinary and Accountability Service (DAS), within ALD, handles disciplinary matters and appeals, reporting to the Director of ALD. This role is based in Nairobi.

Job Purpose

The Chief of Service, Human Resources Management, leads and manages the Disciplinary and Accountability Service (DAS) within the UN Secretariat's Office of Human Resources. This role involves formulating and implementing the service's work program, overseeing activities, and coordinating efforts with internal and external UN entities. The Chief provides strategic leadership to legal officers representing the Secretary-General in appeals and disciplinary matters before the UN Dispute Tribunal, ensuring the implementation of tribunal judgments. Responsibilities include developing policies and guidelines for disciplinary and critical incident response processes, reviewing existing policies, and ensuring high-quality outputs. The position also involves managing programmatic and administrative tasks, including budget preparation, performance reporting, staff evaluation, and leveraging technology for data-driven approaches to mandate delivery.

Responsibilities

Formulate and implement the substantive work program for the Disciplinary and Accountability Service (DAS), overseeing its activities and ensuring timely execution. Coordinate DAS activities within the Administrative Law Division (ALD), Office of Human Resources (OHR), and with other UN entities. Lead and supervise the service's work program, coordinating efforts across different work units. Manage the handling of appeals and disciplinary actions involving staff members, identifying opportunities for informal dispute resolution. Provide strategic leadership to legal officers representing the Secretary-General in appeals and disciplinary cases before the UN Dispute Tribunal, facilitating judgment implementation. Oversee the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies on disciplinary matters. Develop and advise on policies and guidelines for disciplinary and critical incident response processes. Coordinate the review of policies and processes related to misconduct and financial loss. Ensure high-quality, objective, and data-based outputs from DAS. Assist the Director of ALD in work program planning, prioritization, and resource allocation. Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders on misconduct risks. Manage administrative tasks, including budget preparation, performance reporting, staff evaluation, and selection processes. Utilize technology and data-driven approaches to enhance service delivery.

Work Experience

Requires 15+ years of progressive experience in administrative law, with at least 7 years in litigation or supervision of litigators. Must have senior leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering legal program/policy outputs within the UN or similar international organizations. Experience in information analysis, problem-solving in legal contexts, and advancing technology/data-driven approaches is essential. Experience with UN system policies and inter-governmental machinery is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Accountability, Leadership, Judgement/Decision-Making, knowledge of substantive work, report writing, UN rules and regulations application, time management, conflict resolution, gender balance advocacy, strategic thinking, data analysis, technology utilization.

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