HR Policy Consultant Roster
Organizational Context
UNESCO is establishing a roster of middle-level international consultants to support human resources policy research, analysis, and drafting. These consultants will contribute to strengthening HR governance, ensuring compliance, coherence, accountability, and operational efficiency across the Organization. The HR Policy Development and Coordination team within the Bureau of Human Resources Management provides global advice on HR policies, develops new policies, and coordinates consultative processes with various stakeholders.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to build a roster of qualified middle-level international consultants to assist UNESCO in its human resources policy functions. Consultants will engage in research, analysis, and drafting of HR policies, aiming to enhance the Organization's HR governance. This involves supporting UNESCO's mission by improving HR compliance, coherence, accountability, and operational efficiency. The role requires collaboration with the HR Policy Development and Coordination team, which advises globally on policy design and interpretation, develops new or revised policies, and manages consultations with diverse groups including staff associations and other UN system organizations. The objective is to strengthen the overall HR framework and its effective implementation.
Responsibilities
Consultants will be engaged on an assignment basis to deliver specific outputs within defined scopes and timeframes, ranging from one to eleven months, remotely. Key responsibilities include conducting HR policy research, analysis, and benchmarking to identify gaps and inconsistencies, and preparing proposals and reports. They will develop revisions to HR policies, technical proposals, guidelines, procedures, and toolkits to meet evolving operational needs. Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, and lessons learned will inform policy-making, with findings and recommendations drafted accordingly. Consultants will participate in policy consultations with interest groups and staff associations. Additionally, they will develop capacity-building, change management, and communication materials to support policy implementation, translating complex provisions into accessible products. Providing guidance on the interpretation and application of HR policies, regulations, and rules, and conducting policy and legal analysis of individual cases to formulate recommendations will be crucial. Reviewing requests for exceptions and assessing compliance with the regulatory framework are also key duties. Occasional tasks may involve extensive legal research and providing legal advice.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience is required in human resources management, policy development, administration of entitlements and benefits, conditions of service, compensation, or a related area.
Skills
Required skills include experience in developing human resources policy for international organizations and in applying and interpreting staff rules. Experience researching HR-related issues within international organizations is also necessary. Experience in administrative law, administration of justice, or a relevant field is considered an asset.