Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Human Resources Associate, New York


UN WOMEN: HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATE
Location : New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Application Deadline : 31-Oct-12 Additional Category Management
Type of Contract : FTA Local Post Level : GS-6 Languages Required : English
Duration of Initial Contract : One Year
All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.
Internally advertised General Service (GS) fixed-term appointment (FTA) positions located in Headquarters are open to GS staff members currently serving in New York/Washington D.C. who hold a UNDP permanent or FTA who are either US Permanent Residents, US citizens or holders of a valid G4 visa at the time of their application and whose G4 visa has been acquired on account of their employment in the UN Systems based in New York or Washington, DC.
Externally advertised GS fixed-term appointment and temporary appointment (TA) positions located in New York/Washington D.C. are open to candidates who are either US Permanent Residents, US Citizens or holders of a valid G4 visa at the time of their application and whose G4 visa has been acquired on account of their employment in the UN Systems based in New York or Washington, DC.
Current UNDP GS staff serving outside of HQ must meet the eligibility criteria stated above prior to their application.
Selected candidates who meet the above mentioned eligibility criteria are responsible for their own travel and/or relocation costs.
Selection to GS fixed-term appointment positions at Headquarters requires passing a UN administered clerical test (ASAT).
Applicants under serious consideration for short-listing of posts requiring accountancy and finance skills, must take the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (UNDP AFT) prior to short-listing.
Background
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women's rights at the centre of all its efforts, the UN Women will lead and coordinate United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It will provide strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.
The Human Resources Section is developing and implementing Human Resource (HR) policies under the umbrella of UN Staff Rules and Regulations. The Human Resource Associate reports to the Chief, Human Resources, for general guidance and supervision, and is responsible for the administration of a whole range of HR services ensuring compliance with organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures .
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
  • Administration and implementation of HR strategies and policies
  • Provision of HR services
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing
Administration and implementation of HR strategies and policies:
  • Full compliance of records and reports with UN Staff Rules and Regulations, UN Women policies, procedures and strategies; effective implementation of the internal control framework.
  • Provision of information to the management and staff on strategies, rules and regulations and relevant guidelines. Preparation of written responses to queries concerning HR related matters.
  • Provision of information in support to audit exercises keeping accurate records and tracking of documents.
  • Establishment of appropriate information flow in order to ensure due process, accuracy of required data and timeliness of required actions.
  • Undertaking research on a range of HR related issues and preparation of notes/reports
  • Provision of general administrative support to the Human Resource Section: processing, drafting, editing, proofreading and finalization for signature/approval a variety of correspondence and other documentation; setting up and maintenance of files/records (electronic and paper); scheduling of appointments/meetings, monitoring of deadlines, etc.
Provision of HR Services:
  • Implementation of recruitment processes including uploading vacancy announcement and preliminary screening of candidates. Support to recruitment/administrative procedures for Junior Professional Officers (JPO). Screening of internship requests and preparation of internship agreements in accordance with established policy.
  • Update position data in Atlas, association of positions to chart fields (COAs), update of COA information, and setting up vendors. Timely follow up with Finance staff on payment related issues.
  • Input and tracking of all transactions related to positions, recruitment, benefits, earnings/deductions, retroactivities, recoveries, adjustments and separations through Atlas.
  • Provision of information on benefits/entitlements to staff and on administrative issues, such as G-4 visa, UN Laissez-Passer, work permit for spouses, etc.
  • Review of contracts/agreements including Service Level Agreements (SLA).
  • Support country offices? requests liaising with the designated focal points
Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing:
  • Assist in the organization of training courses and workshops.
  • Provide logistics and administrative support to trainers.
  • Contribute to improvements in HR policies, methods, procedures and tools by synthesizing lessons learned and codifying best practices in HR.
Impact of Results:
The timely and effective execution of HR services directly impact the prompt implementation of salaries, allowances and benefits and the expeditious and transparent management of other HR services in recruitment, performance management, career development and staff relations that in return result in building confidence of staff on the ability of UN Women to protect staff well being and to manage its staff equitably and fairly
Competencies
Core Values and Guiding Principles:
  • Integrity: Demonstrate consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work.
  • Cultural sensitivity and valuing diversity: Demonstrate an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrate an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity
Core Competencies:
  • Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity
  • Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
  • Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiative.
  • Work in teams: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  • Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.
  • Self-management and Emotional Intelligence: Stay composed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards other.
  • Conflict Management: Surface conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution.
  • Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Encourage learning and sharing of knowledge.
  • Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making: Demonstrate informed and transparent decision making.
Functional Competencies:
  • Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge-sharing
  • Encourages office staff to share knowledge.
  • Demonstrates ability to diagnose problems and identifies and communicates processes to support change initiatives.
  • Collects information to ensure increased understanding of HR policies and practices.
  • Establishes and uses network of contacts in the organization of HR information-sharing.
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships with clients, demonstrating understanding of client?s perspective; anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly.'Responds positively to new approaches; tracks problems and proposes solutions.
  • Demonstrates in-depth understanding of HR policies, practices and procedures, and utilizes regularly in work assignments.
  • Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Secondary Education is required.
  • University Degree in Human Resource Management, Business, Public Administration or other social science related field is desirable but not required.
Experience:
  • A minimum of 6 years of experience in human resource management in a large multi-national or large international organization preferably with some experience in a UN system organization or agency.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and experience in handling of web based management systems
Education:
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Proficiency in another UN working language is desirable.

International Consultant for Capacity Development Analysis (Two Positions), New York


INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT FOR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS (TWO POSITIONS)


Location : New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Application Deadline : 23-Oct-12 Additional Category Democratic Governance
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Nov-2012
Duration of Initial Contract : 31 January 2013
Expected Duration of Assignment : approx. 10 weeks
Background
Capacity development is posited as an overarching contribution of UNDP to partner countries. The Knowledge, Innovation and Capacity Group (KICG) in UNDPs Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) is tasked with defining UNDPs capacity development package of support towards emerging development themes viz. capacity development for sustainable development; and capacity development for national and societal resilience.
Work is on-going to define these capacity development packages spanning optimal institutional arrangements in government, leadership development, knowledge and innovation breakthroughs, and mechanisms for interface between governments and citizens/people. This requires, among other things, constant updates on cutting-age policy and case evidence and developing tools and guidelines for UNDPs country offices to deploy readily.
The work involves multiple strands: research, in-house and external knowledge gathering, writing and production of easy-to-use documents and guidelines, convening policy makers and practitioners, and developing publicity and outreach material.
The two consultants for Capacity Development Analysis will support policy advisors in the above activities split by the two themes of sustainable development (1) and resilience (1). Interested candidates should indicate their preference among the two themes in their cover note.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of KICGs Senior Policy Advisor and Capacity Development Policy Advisors, the consultants will provide support for above activities split by the two themes of sustainable development (1) and resilience (1).
More specifically, the consultants are expected to carry out the following tasks:
  • Research support
  • Collation and in-house knowledge gathering
  • Writing and synthesis, of drafts, briefs, background documents and technical working papers
  • Convening and hosting various platforms including online platforms, symposia, in-house consultations
  • Preparing publicity and outreach material including brochures, presentations and fact-sheets.
Deliverables and Payment Schedule
Each consultant is expected to deliver the following:
  • 2 research reports on issues related to capacity development for sustainable development/resilience;
  • List of non-UNDP knowledge providers and products on capacity development for sustainable development/resilience;
  • Consolidation product of in-house knowledge, experience and practice on sustainable development/resilience;
  • Production of at least 1 draft, 1 brief, 1 background document and 1 technical working paper on capacity development for sustainable development;
  • Organising 1 in-house meeting on capacity development for sustainable development/resilience;
  • Contribute to cross-sectoral discussions and strategy papers on sustainable development/resilience;
  • Host/participate in 1 e-discussion on capacity development for sustainable development/resilience;
  • Prepare 1 brochure, 1 presentation and 1 fact sheet on capacity development for sustainable development/resilience.
Competencies
Communication: Communicates effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization and is comfortable in handling relations at all levels; Demonstrates sensitivity, tact and acumen.
Professionalism: Capable of working in a highly pressured environment with extreme deadlines, managing many tasks simultaneously; Able to handle a large volume of logistical details, accurately and thoroughly, with great attention to detail; Exercises the highest level of responsibility and is able to handle confidential and sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner.
Teamwork: Works well in a team to service all of KICG and BDP as a whole; projects a positive image and is ready to take on a wide range of tasks to create an enabling environment for the supervisors, focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback.
Technical Skills: Able to research, analyze and draft well and is able to present convincingly Excellent computer skills.
Knowledge Management and Learning: Willingly shares knowledge and experience and makes contributions to UNDP practice area s (e.g., documented knowledge, community of practice building initiatives); actively develops deep understanding and experience in one or more knowledge areas, including process and/or substantive knowledge.
Evaluation of Applicants:
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants qualifications and financial proposal.
The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation max. 35 points:
  • Proven comprehensive understanding of current development challenges and the contribution of capacity development maximum points: 15
  • In-depth experience in research, analysis, writing and presentation of information and outreach maximum points: 10
  • Proven ability to see through appointed tasks from inception to closure in a self-driven manner - maximum points: 10
  • Only candidates who have scored a minimum of 25 points will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Financial Criteria 30% of total evaluation max. 15 points.
Application Procedure:
Qualified candidates will be approached directly to apply. The application should contain:
In English explain why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position, including an indication of preference for working on capacity development for a) sustainable development or b) resilience;
Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload the P11 instead of your CV.
Financial proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Masters degree in Public Administration, International Relations, Economics, and the broad social sciences. Other disciplines are not a bar.
Experience:
  • At least 3 years of work experience, with increasing independence, in an organization(s), university, company.
  • Substantive exposure to and understanding of inter alia development at large, and the related Millennium Development Goals, Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change, governance and public management, management sciences, tec.
  • Knowledge of UNDP is an asset.
Language requirements:
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English. Good working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Director, Emerging And Conflict Related Issues Division, Beirut


Job Title
DIRECTOR, EMERGING AND CONFLICT RELATED ISSUES DIVISION, D1
Department/ Office
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
Duty Station
BEIRUT
Posting Period
15 October 2012-14 December 2012
Job Opening number
12-ECO-ESCWA-25650-R-BEIRUT(G)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This post is located within the Emerging and Conflict Related Issues (ECRI) Division of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Director, Emerging and Conflict Related Issues Division reports directly to the Executive Secretary, Under Secretary General (USG).
Responsibilities
The Director of the Emerging and Conflict Related Issues Division will be responsible for carrying out the following functions:
1 - Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Emerging and Conflict Related Issues (ECRI) Division. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinates work in the areas of governance and conflict analysis mitigation, and addresses its spillover effects. Coordinates these issues within the Division, between other ESCWA divisions, and with partner organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate;
2 - Conducts and provides substantive guidance for research and studies on conflicts and the potential impact of regional and global emerging issues on development. Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of ECRI, and coordinates the work carried out by staff of the Division and oversees programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others;
3 - Recommends policy advice and program initiatives in relation to countries in transition, emerging trends, institutional development, peacebuilding, crisis management and conflict mitigation;
4 - Coordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to the Commission and intergovernmental bodies, as appropriate;
5 - Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biennial and/or annual reports;
6 - Ensures that the outputs produced by ECRI maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Division meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates;
7 - Prepares the work programme of ECRI, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Monitors progress, re-prioritize activities as necessary, and evaluates upon completion;
8 - Oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of ECRI, including:a - preparation of the Division's budgets, based on results-based budgeting principles, and reporting on budget/programme performance;b - evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviewing and evaluation of candidates for job openings, and recommending candidates for recruitment, taking due account of geographical and gender balance, as well as other staff selection policy guidelines;
9 - Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision;
10 - Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries;
11 - Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars;
12 - Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions;
13 - Represents ESCWA at relevant international, regional or national meetings;
14 - Assists the Executive Secretary in preparing position papers and statements and contributes to the preparation of ESCWA relevant inputs to the Secretary-General reports, and carries out other assignments that may be delegated by the Executive Secretary.
Competencies
Professionalism - Knowledge of socio-economic development and conflict related issues, in general and in Arab States/ESCWA countries in particular, and a publication record on the Arab Region in refereed Journals; ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organizing - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Leadership - Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands; provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Vision - Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
Education
Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in one or more of the following disciplines: economics, development economics, law, political science, public administration, social sciences or related field (PhD preferred). A first-level university degree in addition to qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the international and regional level is required in high level research and analysis on development issues, conflict analysis and governance, including experience in directing such research, and in managing development programmes. Experience in formulating and implementing development polices. Managerial experience is required and successful experience in resource mobilization is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable.
Assessment Method
The shortlisted candidates will undergo a substantive assessment and a competency-based interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.