Human Resources Officer - Staff Relations
Organizational Context
UNRWA, a UN agency established in 1949, provides essential assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. With over 30,000 staff, it is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, funded primarily by voluntary contributions. This role reports to the Head of the Field Human Resources Office.
Job Purpose
This role is crucial for managing the Human Resources aspects of the grievance process within UNRWA. It involves reviewing, investigating, and analyzing complaints, staff cases, conflicts, and appeals in strict accordance with UNRWA's regulations and procedures. The position ensures fair recommendations and timely responses to petitioners, maintaining quality standards. It also plays a key part in staff-management relations, supporting consultations with Staff Representative Bodies and providing technical advice on disputes, misconduct, and code of conduct issues to management. The role contributes to maintaining a fair and consistent disciplinary process and educating staff on relevant rules and procedures, ultimately supporting the agency's mission to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential.
Responsibilities
The Human Resources Officer is responsible for managing the end-to-end grievance and complaints process, including reviewing, fact-finding, and preparing recommendations. This involves ensuring timely and fair resolutions in line with established regulations and procedures, and maintaining accurate records. The role supports staff-management relations by providing briefings, proposing positions, and facilitating consultations with Staff Representative Bodies. It also offers technical advice and policy guidance to HR leadership and managers on disputes, misconduct, and code of conduct issues. The officer provides information for legal affairs, follows up on appeals, and liaises with headquarters on staff cases. Responsibilities include maintaining consistency in disciplinary measures, reviewing allegations of misconduct, and recommending proportionate actions. Additionally, the role serves as secretary for the Decision Review Committee, prepares background summaries, and conducts awareness sessions on agency rules and procedures, responding to staff inquiries.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources management, with a preference for employee relations or law within an international, governmental, or commercial organization. Experience in interpreting and applying staff regulations, rules, policies, and procedures is required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Skills
Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Additional Competencies: Analyzing, Planning and Organizing, Learning and Researching, Relating and Networking, Coping with Pressure and Setbacks. Specific Skills: Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with tact and discretion; Knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.