HR Policy Officer, P3 based in Rome, Italy at World Food Programme (WFP)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The HR Policy & Compliance Branch (“HRMOP”) is a small specialized team that provides advice to WFP globally on the interpretation and application of HR policies. The team is specialized and technical in nature, and requires a combination of analytical, legal and policy drafting skills, and a legal understanding of the implications of policy changes on the regulatory framework.

The P3 HR Policy Officer (“HRPO”) will report to the Chief of the HR Policy & Compliance Branch (“HRMOP”), and work under the overall guidance of the Director of HR.

JOB PURPOSE

The HRPO will provide advice and guidance to HR partners, staff and managers on the interpretation and application of WFP’s HR policy framework and the FAO Staff Regulations & Rules, on the basis of formal rules and guidelines, practice and precedents, rulings and opinions of the Legal Office. The HRPO will contribute to the design, development and formulation of HR policies and procedures in line with the objectives outlined in the HR strategy, UN General Assembly resolutions, decisions made by the International Civil Service Commission and in response to organizational changes and reforms. To inform the direction of the policy design and formulation phase, the HRPO will carry out research on best practices and conduct benchmarking with other UN organizations.

The HRPO will also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of HR policies and procedures and identify potential policy gaps and areas where further guidance is required. In addition, the HRPO will monitor compliance with the HR policy framework and promote consistent implementation across WFP offices in the field and across functional divisions at HQ. The HRPO will also contribute to the effective roll-out of new or revised policies by participating in HR policy briefing sessions, communications, and awareness raising activities. The HRPO may be called on to represent the HR Division in inter-agency working groups and task forces established to review specific HR policy matters of common interest.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

At WFP, we are looking for a talented Human Resources Officer hired at a P3 level to join the Human Resources Policy and Compliance Branch in Rome, Italy. Under the guidance of the Chief, Human Resources Policy and Compliance Branch, and together with other Policy Branch colleagues you will:

• Draft WFP policies and procedures papers to support the organization’s goals and strategic plan while ensuring consistency with GA resolutions, ICSC decisions as well as other UN Common System group (CEB, HLCM, HR Network, etc.)
• Coordinate consultations with all stakeholders (e.g. HR community, staff associations, senior management) on any new policy development to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of existing or coming HR policies.
• Provide interpretation and advice on HR policy matters and prepare recommendations to the Chief, HRMTP, for senior leadership, HRM Directorate or other senior managers as well as HR chiefs on waiver requests.
• Develop an appropriate communication strategy to inform HR communicate and staff concerned on policy changes; Contribute to the effective roll-out and implementation of new or revised HR policies by conducting/participating in HR policy briefings, communications, and awareness-raising activities, including visits to HR teams in the Regions and Country Offices.
• Assist with leading and influencing inter-agency matters, including preparation of position and concept papers.
• Represent WFP’s interests at inter-agency working groups or meetings where designated by the Chief HRMTP (e.g. HR Network Standing Committee on Field Duty Stations (Field Group)
• Build networks and engage with counterparts in other UN agencies on the above matters and share experiences and best practices.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree in Law, Human Resource Management, Public or Business Administration, International Relations, or similar relevant fields, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience or trainings/courses.

Experience: Typically five years or more of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in Human Resources with an interest in international humanitarian development. Experience of managing small teams of staff with related areas of expertise.

Languages: Fluency (level C) in oral and written English with an intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages).

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Specific experience developing HR Policies, procedures and guidelines is required. Policy and legal experience within the UN system would be highly desirable.
• Knowledge and understanding of the legal processes of the UN common system (including the tribunals) and/or International organizations; Sound theoretical understanding of HR concepts and principles with a broad knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes.
• Knowledge of common business principles and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.
• Good knowledge of the conditions of service for International civil servants as regulated by the ICSC is highly desirable.
• Good communication skills with the ability to persuade, influence and adapt communication style to different situations and individuals ; ability to draft complex and detailed policy documents and clear concise reports or rationale for human resources decisions.
• tailored to different audiences are required.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to plan, anticipate requirements, problems and obstacles and an ability to juggle competing priorities successfully, and to work with tight deadlines.
• Ability to establish priorities, and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision.
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate a team.
• Ability to partner with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures and to act with credibility and diplomacy.
• Ability to build and maintain effective work relationships with human resources counterparts, managers and staff within HQ/regional/country office.
• Ability to work independently.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Non-Rotational Nature: mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.